Seeing the Sabbath from a new perspective

BY REV. DORAL PULLEY

The Sabbath is a biblical principle that existed before the Law, during the Law and after the Law.  In creation, we see a divine pattern: manifesting and making for six days and resting on the seventh day.  The seventh day was a me of rest and it represented the end of a cycle of creation.  One of the Ten Commandments that Moses received from God was “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy (Exodus 20:8).” The Hebrews built their lives around the observance of the Sabbath. We are now no longer under the Law but under grace and truth which came through Jesus Christ (John 1:14).

The Pharisees, who strict interpreters of the Law, confronted Jesus Christ about his disciples plucking ears of corn on the Sabbath.  Jesus Christ demonstrated a higher consciousness through his response to their query. First, he gave them a biblical example of a person who did the same thing as the disciples.  Just as the disciples plucked and ate ears of corn to satisfy their hunger, David ate the sacred bread from the Table of Shewbread to satisfy his hunger.

Secondly, he proclaimed his power by declaring that he was Lord of the Sabbath. As Lord of the Sabbath, he had a right to determine how to use the Sabbath for his benefit as opposed to his bondage.  We, too, are lords of our own Sabbath and we are empowered to decide how the principles of rest and reflection best serve us (daily, weekly, etc.). How do the principles of rest and reflection incorporated in your life?

Thirdly, Jesus Christ pointed out their own inconsistencies with honoring the Sabbath by bringing to their attention that if one of their sheep were in a ditch that they would rescue the sheep on the Sabbath. Finally, Jesus Christ demonstrated the need for good works to be done, when, on the Sabbath, he healed the man with the withered hand.

It is important that we use biblical examples and spiritual principles to answer people’s questions. This requires for us to study and practice these principles in our own lives so that we can be an example to others.

Rev. Doral Pulley is the senior pastor of Unity Temple of Truth Church, 511 Prescott St. S, St. Petersburg.