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Worshipand

The Sabbath

Worshipand

The Sabbath

Dr. Barry Liesch Biola University La Mirada, CaliforniaDr. Barry Liesch Biola University La Mirada, California

© 2014 Barry Liesch© 2014 Barry Liesch

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The attitude/commitment The attitude/commitment our people have towardsour people have towards

The Sabbath/Sunday The Sabbath/Sunday and it meanings and it meanings

is importantis important

because… because… we lead worship on Sunday &we lead worship on Sunday &

worship embraces all of lifeworship embraces all of lifeWhat are its meanings?What are its meanings?

The attitude/commitment The attitude/commitment our people have towardsour people have towards

The Sabbath/Sunday The Sabbath/Sunday and it meanings and it meanings

is importantis important

because… because… we lead worship on Sunday &we lead worship on Sunday &

worship embraces all of lifeworship embraces all of lifeWhat are its meanings?What are its meanings?

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Questions about the SabbathQuestions about the Sabbath

Saturday or Sunday?Saturday or Sunday?Only for Jews? Only for Jews? For Christians too? How so?For Christians too? How so?For all humanity?For all humanity?Sabbath devoted to God or intended for us too?Sabbath devoted to God or intended for us too? Shop on Sabbath? Commerce? Travel? Cook?Shop on Sabbath? Commerce? Travel? Cook?Do homework? Watch Sports, Movies? Surf?Do homework? Watch Sports, Movies? Surf?

First mention is in creation account… First mention is in creation account…

Saturday or Sunday?Saturday or Sunday?Only for Jews? Only for Jews? For Christians too? How so?For Christians too? How so?For all humanity?For all humanity?Sabbath devoted to God or intended for us too?Sabbath devoted to God or intended for us too? Shop on Sabbath? Commerce? Travel? Cook?Shop on Sabbath? Commerce? Travel? Cook?Do homework? Watch Sports, Movies? Surf?Do homework? Watch Sports, Movies? Surf?

First mention is in creation account… First mention is in creation account…

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Creation & The SabbathCreation & The Sabbath

And on the seventh day God finished the And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he work that he had done, and he restedrested on the on the seventh day…seventh day…So God So God blessedblessed the seventh day and the seventh day and made it made it holyholy, because on it God rested from all the , because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation. work that he had done in creation. Gen 2:2,3Gen 2:2,3

Thoughts Thoughts toto ponder ponderIt predates any OT worship institution. A day blessed, holy, It predates any OT worship institution. A day blessed, holy, set apart set apart for all-timefor all-time? A model for us? ? A model for us? God’s Ideal? Alternation of work/rest is built by God into cosmos?

And on the seventh day God finished the And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he work that he had done, and he restedrested on the on the seventh day…seventh day…So God So God blessedblessed the seventh day and the seventh day and made it made it holyholy, because on it God rested from all the , because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation. work that he had done in creation. Gen 2:2,3Gen 2:2,3

Thoughts Thoughts toto ponder ponderIt predates any OT worship institution. A day blessed, holy, It predates any OT worship institution. A day blessed, holy, set apart set apart for all-timefor all-time? A model for us? ? A model for us? God’s Ideal? Alternation of work/rest is built by God into cosmos?

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Function of Sabbath in DecalogueFunction of Sabbath in Decalogue

Longest statement of the 10 CommandmentsLongest statement of the 10 Commandments Takes 1/3 of total space in DecalogueTakes 1/3 of total space in DecalogueDual focus on Dual focus on bothboth God and man God and man Vertical & Horizontal dimensionsVertical & Horizontal dimensionsThe 4The 4thth Commandment: pivotal, middle position Commandment: pivotal, middle position 1-3 focus on God (vertical)1-3 focus on God (vertical) 5-10 focus 5-10 focus on on human relationships (horizontal)human relationships (horizontal)

Decalogue stated twice: Decalogue stated twice: Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 5Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 5

Each statement has slightly different emphasisEach statement has slightly different emphasis

Longest statement of the 10 CommandmentsLongest statement of the 10 Commandments Takes 1/3 of total space in DecalogueTakes 1/3 of total space in DecalogueDual focus on Dual focus on bothboth God and man God and man Vertical & Horizontal dimensionsVertical & Horizontal dimensionsThe 4The 4thth Commandment: pivotal, middle position Commandment: pivotal, middle position 1-3 focus on God (vertical)1-3 focus on God (vertical) 5-10 focus 5-10 focus on on human relationships (horizontal)human relationships (horizontal)

Decalogue stated twice: Decalogue stated twice: Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 5Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 5

Each statement has slightly different emphasisEach statement has slightly different emphasis

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10 Commandments & The Sabbath10 Commandments & The Sabbath

Remember the Sabbath day, to Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holykeep it holy. Six . Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is the seventh day is a Sabbath a Sabbath toto the Lord your the Lord your GodGod.. On it On it you shall not do any workyou shall not do any work, you, or your , you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. Ex 20:8-10sojourner who is within your gates. Ex 20:8-10

But Tel Aviv today: completely secularBut Tel Aviv today: completely secularJerusalem today: observes Sabbath (no commerce, buses)Jerusalem today: observes Sabbath (no commerce, buses)

Remember the Sabbath day, to Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holykeep it holy. Six . Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is the seventh day is a Sabbath a Sabbath toto the Lord your the Lord your GodGod.. On it On it you shall not do any workyou shall not do any work, you, or your , you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. Ex 20:8-10sojourner who is within your gates. Ex 20:8-10

But Tel Aviv today: completely secularBut Tel Aviv today: completely secularJerusalem today: observes Sabbath (no commerce, buses)Jerusalem today: observes Sabbath (no commerce, buses)

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10 Commandments & The Sabbath10 Commandments & The Sabbath

For in six days the Lord made the heaven and For in six days the Lord made the heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessedblessed the Sabbath day and the Sabbath day and made it holy made it holy [consecrated it][consecrated it]. Ex20:11. Ex20:11

You shall You shall rememberremember that that you were a you were a slaveslave in in the land of Egypt, and the land of Egypt, and the Lord brought you the Lord brought you out out of there with a mighty hand and an of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. outstretched arm. ThereforeTherefore the Lord your the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. Deut 5:15 day. Deut 5:15

For in six days the Lord made the heaven and For in six days the Lord made the heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessedblessed the Sabbath day and the Sabbath day and made it holy made it holy [consecrated it][consecrated it]. Ex20:11. Ex20:11

You shall You shall rememberremember that that you were a you were a slaveslave in in the land of Egypt, and the land of Egypt, and the Lord brought you the Lord brought you out out of there with a mighty hand and an of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. outstretched arm. ThereforeTherefore the Lord your the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. Deut 5:15 day. Deut 5:15

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Sabbath as Sign of Keeping CovenantSabbath as Sign of Keeping Covenant

And the Lord said to Moses, You are to speak And the Lord said to Moses, You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, “to the people of Israel and say, “Above all Above all you you shall keep my Sabbath, for this is shall keep my Sabbath, for this is a a signsign between me and you between me and you throughout your throughout your generations, that you may know thatgenerations, that you may know that I, the I, the Lord, Lord, sanctifysanctify you. you.You shall keep the Sabbath because it is You shall keep the Sabbath because it is holyholy forfor youyou.. Everyone who profanes it shall be Everyone who profanes it shall be put to death.put to death.Six days shall work be done, but the seventh Six days shall work be done, but the seventh is a Sabbath of is a Sabbath of solemn restsolemn rest, holy to, holy to the Lord.the Lord. Ex 31:12-15Ex 31:12-15

And the Lord said to Moses, You are to speak And the Lord said to Moses, You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, “to the people of Israel and say, “Above all Above all you you shall keep my Sabbath, for this is shall keep my Sabbath, for this is a a signsign between me and you between me and you throughout your throughout your generations, that you may know thatgenerations, that you may know that I, the I, the Lord, Lord, sanctifysanctify you. you.You shall keep the Sabbath because it is You shall keep the Sabbath because it is holyholy forfor youyou.. Everyone who profanes it shall be Everyone who profanes it shall be put to death.put to death.Six days shall work be done, but the seventh Six days shall work be done, but the seventh is a Sabbath of is a Sabbath of solemn restsolemn rest, holy to, holy to the Lord.the Lord. Ex 31:12-15Ex 31:12-15

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Sabbath as Sign of Keeping CovenantSabbath as Sign of Keeping Covenant

Whoever does any work on the Sabbath shall Whoever does any work on the Sabbath shall be put to death. Therefore be put to death. Therefore the people of the people of Israel Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, Sabbath throughout their generations, as a as a covenantcovenant forever. forever.It is It is a a signsign forever forever between me and the between me and the people of Israelpeople of Israel that in six days the Lord that in six days the Lord made the heaven and earth, and on the made the heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he seventh day he restedrested and was and was refreshedrefreshed. . Ex 31:15-17 Ex 31:15-17

EssentialEssential part of the Covenant itself part of the Covenant itself

Whoever does any work on the Sabbath shall Whoever does any work on the Sabbath shall be put to death. Therefore be put to death. Therefore the people of the people of Israel Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, Sabbath throughout their generations, as a as a covenantcovenant forever. forever.It is It is a a signsign forever forever between me and the between me and the people of Israelpeople of Israel that in six days the Lord that in six days the Lord made the heaven and earth, and on the made the heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he seventh day he restedrested and was and was refreshedrefreshed. . Ex 31:15-17 Ex 31:15-17

EssentialEssential part of the Covenant itself part of the Covenant itself

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Attitudes toward the OT SabbathAttitudes toward the OT Sabbath

It is to be a sabbath of It is to be a sabbath of solemn rest solemn rest for you, for you, that you may that you may humble your soulshumble your souls; it is a ; it is a permanent statute permanent statute Lev Lev 16:3116:31

You shall keep my Sabbaths and You shall keep my Sabbaths and reverencereverence My My sanctuary: I am the Lord sanctuary: I am the Lord Lev 26:1Lev 26:1

Sabbath seems unique to Israel Sabbath seems unique to Israel Not practiced by other antiquity-surrounding culturesNot practiced by other antiquity-surrounding culturesToday, most countries have a 5-day week: Mon-Friday, or Today, most countries have a 5-day week: Mon-Friday, or Sunday – Thurs (Muslim countries) Sunday – Thurs (Muslim countries)

It is to be a sabbath of It is to be a sabbath of solemn rest solemn rest for you, for you, that you may that you may humble your soulshumble your souls; it is a ; it is a permanent statute permanent statute Lev Lev 16:3116:31

You shall keep my Sabbaths and You shall keep my Sabbaths and reverencereverence My My sanctuary: I am the Lord sanctuary: I am the Lord Lev 26:1Lev 26:1

Sabbath seems unique to Israel Sabbath seems unique to Israel Not practiced by other antiquity-surrounding culturesNot practiced by other antiquity-surrounding culturesToday, most countries have a 5-day week: Mon-Friday, or Today, most countries have a 5-day week: Mon-Friday, or Sunday – Thurs (Muslim countries) Sunday – Thurs (Muslim countries)

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OT Prohibitions on The SabbathOT Prohibitions on The Sabbath

No kindling of fire (for cooking?)No kindling of fire (for cooking?)You shall kindle no fire in all your dwelling You shall kindle no fire in all your dwelling places on the Sabbath day. places on the Sabbath day. Ex Ex 35:335:3

No bearing/carrying of burdensNo bearing/carrying of burdensThus says the Lord…do not bear a burden on Thus says the Lord…do not bear a burden on the Sabbath day or bring it in by the gates…the Sabbath day or bring it in by the gates…do not carry a burden out of your houses… do not carry a burden out of your houses… Jer 18: 21-22Jer 18: 21-22No trade, commerceNo trade, commerceIf the peoples of the land bring in goods or any grain If the peoples of the land bring in goods or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from on the Sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on a holy day.them on the Sabbath or on a holy day.

No kindling of fire (for cooking?)No kindling of fire (for cooking?)You shall kindle no fire in all your dwelling You shall kindle no fire in all your dwelling places on the Sabbath day. places on the Sabbath day. Ex Ex 35:335:3

No bearing/carrying of burdensNo bearing/carrying of burdensThus says the Lord…do not bear a burden on Thus says the Lord…do not bear a burden on the Sabbath day or bring it in by the gates…the Sabbath day or bring it in by the gates…do not carry a burden out of your houses… do not carry a burden out of your houses… Jer 18: 21-22Jer 18: 21-22No trade, commerceNo trade, commerceIf the peoples of the land bring in goods or any grain If the peoples of the land bring in goods or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from on the Sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on a holy day.them on the Sabbath or on a holy day.

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OT Prohibitions on The SabbathOT Prohibitions on The Sabbath

No gathering of wood/sticksNo gathering of wood/sticksWhile the people of Israel were in the While the people of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man wilderness, they found a man gathering gathering sticks sticks on the Sabbath day…brought him to on the Sabbath day…brought him to Moses and Aaron and to all the Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation…They put him in custody congregation…They put him in custody because it had not been made clear what because it had not been made clear what should be done to him. And the Lord said to should be done to him. And the Lord said to Moses, The man shall be put to death: all Moses, The man shall be put to death: all the congregation should stone him outside the congregation should stone him outside the camp. the camp. Num 15:32-36Num 15:32-36

No gathering of wood/sticksNo gathering of wood/sticksWhile the people of Israel were in the While the people of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man wilderness, they found a man gathering gathering sticks sticks on the Sabbath day…brought him to on the Sabbath day…brought him to Moses and Aaron and to all the Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation…They put him in custody congregation…They put him in custody because it had not been made clear what because it had not been made clear what should be done to him. And the Lord said to should be done to him. And the Lord said to Moses, The man shall be put to death: all Moses, The man shall be put to death: all the congregation should stone him outside the congregation should stone him outside the camp. the camp. Num 15:32-36Num 15:32-36

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OT Prohibitions on The SabbathOT Prohibitions on The Sabbath

No merchants and sellersNo merchants and sellersAs soon as it began to grow dark at the As soon as it began to grow dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I commanded that the gates be shut…that commanded that the gates be shut…that no no load load be brought in on the Sabbath. Then be brought in on the Sabbath. Then the the merchants and sellers merchants and sellers of all kinds of of all kinds of wares lodged outside Jerusalem…wares lodged outside Jerusalem…But I But I warned themwarned them…”If you do so again, I will lay …”If you do so again, I will lay hands on you.” hands on you.” Neh 13: Neh 13: 19-2119-21

No merchants and sellersNo merchants and sellersAs soon as it began to grow dark at the As soon as it began to grow dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I commanded that the gates be shut…that commanded that the gates be shut…that no no load load be brought in on the Sabbath. Then be brought in on the Sabbath. Then the the merchants and sellers merchants and sellers of all kinds of of all kinds of wares lodged outside Jerusalem…wares lodged outside Jerusalem…But I But I warned themwarned them…”If you do so again, I will lay …”If you do so again, I will lay hands on you.” hands on you.” Neh 13: Neh 13: 19-2119-21

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OT Prohibitions on The SabbathOT Prohibitions on The Sabbath

No bakingNo bakingTomorrow is a Sabbath observance, a holy Tomorrow is a Sabbath observance, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. [Today] Bake what you will Sabbath to the Lord. [Today] Bake what you will bake, and bake, and boilboil what you will boil, and all that is what you will boil, and all that is left over left over put aside put aside [for the Sabbath]…[for the Sabbath]…No manna No manna Six days you shall gather it [manna], but on the Six days you shall gather it [manna], but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.there will be none. No travelingNo travelingRemain each of you in his place; Remain each of you in his place; let no one go let no one go out out of this place on the seventh day…. of this place on the seventh day…. Ex Ex 16:23-3016:23-30

No bakingNo bakingTomorrow is a Sabbath observance, a holy Tomorrow is a Sabbath observance, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. [Today] Bake what you will Sabbath to the Lord. [Today] Bake what you will bake, and bake, and boilboil what you will boil, and all that is what you will boil, and all that is left over left over put aside put aside [for the Sabbath]…[for the Sabbath]…No manna No manna Six days you shall gather it [manna], but on the Six days you shall gather it [manna], but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.there will be none. No travelingNo travelingRemain each of you in his place; Remain each of you in his place; let no one go let no one go out out of this place on the seventh day…. of this place on the seventh day…. Ex Ex 16:23-3016:23-30

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OT Prohibitions on The SabbathOT Prohibitions on The Sabbath

No Plowing on Sabbath even during HarvestNo Plowing on Sabbath even during HarvestYou shall work six days, but on the seventh You shall work six days, but on the seventh day you shall rest: even during plowing time day you shall rest: even during plowing time and harvest you shall rest. Ex and harvest you shall rest. Ex 34:2134:21

Does this require farmers to Does this require farmers to trust trust in God?in God?Could temptation to seize harvest override obedience?Could temptation to seize harvest override obedience?

No Plowing on Sabbath even during HarvestNo Plowing on Sabbath even during HarvestYou shall work six days, but on the seventh You shall work six days, but on the seventh day you shall rest: even during plowing time day you shall rest: even during plowing time and harvest you shall rest. Ex and harvest you shall rest. Ex 34:2134:21

Does this require farmers to Does this require farmers to trust trust in God?in God?Could temptation to seize harvest override obedience?Could temptation to seize harvest override obedience?

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OT Prohibitions on The SabbathOT Prohibitions on The Sabbath

No work involving winepress, grain, figsNo work involving winepress, grain, figsIn those days I saw…some who were treading wine In those days I saw…some who were treading wine presses on the Sabbath…bringing in sacks of grain presses on the Sabbath…bringing in sacks of grain and loading them on donkeys, as well as wine, and loading them on donkeys, as well as wine, grapes, figs…grapes, figs…So I admonished themSo I admonished them… Neh 13:15… Neh 13:15

Failure to distinguish the holy from the profaneFailure to distinguish the holy from the profane……priestspriests have done violence to My Law…they have have done violence to My Law…they have made made no distinction no distinction between the holy and the between the holy and the profane…they profane…they hidehide their eyes from My Sabbaths their eyes from My Sabbaths Ezek 23:38Ezek 23:38

No work involving winepress, grain, figsNo work involving winepress, grain, figsIn those days I saw…some who were treading wine In those days I saw…some who were treading wine presses on the Sabbath…bringing in sacks of grain presses on the Sabbath…bringing in sacks of grain and loading them on donkeys, as well as wine, and loading them on donkeys, as well as wine, grapes, figs…grapes, figs…So I admonished themSo I admonished them… Neh 13:15… Neh 13:15

Failure to distinguish the holy from the profaneFailure to distinguish the holy from the profane……priestspriests have done violence to My Law…they have have done violence to My Law…they have made made no distinction no distinction between the holy and the between the holy and the profane…they profane…they hidehide their eyes from My Sabbaths their eyes from My Sabbaths Ezek 23:38Ezek 23:38

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OT Sabbath Extended: A Big Concept!OT Sabbath Extended: A Big Concept!

1. 1. The Sabbatical YearThe Sabbatical Year (every 7 years) (every 7 years)Land rests for a year. A test of Israel’s faith.Land rests for a year. A test of Israel’s faith.Then the Then the landland will enjoy its Sabbaths will enjoy its Sabbaths Lev Lev 26:3426:34

Contractual debts forgiven, slaves could opt for freedomContractual debts forgiven, slaves could opt for freedom

2. 2. Jubilee YearJubilee Year (7x7; every 49 years) (7x7; every 49 years)Land restored to original owner; to prevent poverty/enslavementLand restored to original owner; to prevent poverty/enslavement

3. 3. 7-14 Day Annual Festivals7-14 Day Annual Festivals (Passover, First Fruits, Booths) (Passover, First Fruits, Booths)

4.[4.[The day of AtonementThe day of Atonement] ] is to be a Sabbath of is to be a Sabbath of complete rest complete rest to you to you Lev 23:32Lev 23:32

1. 1. The Sabbatical YearThe Sabbatical Year (every 7 years) (every 7 years)Land rests for a year. A test of Israel’s faith.Land rests for a year. A test of Israel’s faith.Then the Then the landland will enjoy its Sabbaths will enjoy its Sabbaths Lev Lev 26:3426:34

Contractual debts forgiven, slaves could opt for freedomContractual debts forgiven, slaves could opt for freedom

2. 2. Jubilee YearJubilee Year (7x7; every 49 years) (7x7; every 49 years)Land restored to original owner; to prevent poverty/enslavementLand restored to original owner; to prevent poverty/enslavement

3. 3. 7-14 Day Annual Festivals7-14 Day Annual Festivals (Passover, First Fruits, Booths) (Passover, First Fruits, Booths)

4.[4.[The day of AtonementThe day of Atonement] ] is to be a Sabbath of is to be a Sabbath of complete rest complete rest to you to you Lev 23:32Lev 23:32

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Delighting in The SabbathDelighting in The Sabbath

A Promise for Delighting in the Sabbath A Promise for Delighting in the Sabbath If because of the Sabbath, you turn your foot If because of the Sabbath, you turn your foot from doing your own pleasure on My holy from doing your own pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a day, and call the Sabbath a delightdelight……and shall and shall honor ithonor it, desisting from your own , desisting from your own ways, from seeking your own pleasure…ways, from seeking your own pleasure…

Then you will take Then you will take delightdelight in the LORD, and in the LORD, and I I will make you ride on the heights of the will make you ride on the heights of the earth…earth…For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. Isa 58: 13,14Isa 58: 13,14

A Promise for Delighting in the Sabbath A Promise for Delighting in the Sabbath If because of the Sabbath, you turn your foot If because of the Sabbath, you turn your foot from doing your own pleasure on My holy from doing your own pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a day, and call the Sabbath a delightdelight……and shall and shall honor ithonor it, desisting from your own , desisting from your own ways, from seeking your own pleasure…ways, from seeking your own pleasure…

Then you will take Then you will take delightdelight in the LORD, and in the LORD, and I I will make you ride on the heights of the will make you ride on the heights of the earth…earth…For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. Isa 58: 13,14Isa 58: 13,14

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What was the Sabbath like?What was the Sabbath like?

What was Sabbath like in 1940’s, 1950’s?What was Sabbath like in 1940’s, 1950’s?

Sunday in Vancouver Canada Sunday in Vancouver Canada (Lord’s Day Alliance)(Lord’s Day Alliance)

The experience of Daniel Block while growing up The experience of Daniel Block while growing up For The Glory of God:For The Glory of God:

Recovering a Biblical Theology of WorshipRecovering a Biblical Theology of Worshipread p X11, 79read p X11, 79

What has been your experience?What has been your experience?

What was Sabbath like in 1940’s, 1950’s?What was Sabbath like in 1940’s, 1950’s?

Sunday in Vancouver Canada Sunday in Vancouver Canada (Lord’s Day Alliance)(Lord’s Day Alliance)

The experience of Daniel Block while growing up The experience of Daniel Block while growing up For The Glory of God:For The Glory of God:

Recovering a Biblical Theology of WorshipRecovering a Biblical Theology of Worshipread p X11, 79read p X11, 79

What has been your experience?What has been your experience?

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Jesus & The SabbathJesus & The Sabbath

For the Son of Man is For the Son of Man is LordLord of the Sabbath of the Sabbath Matt 12:8Matt 12:8The Sabbath was The Sabbath was made for manmade for man, not man , not man for the Sabbath. Mark for the Sabbath. Mark 2:272:27

I ask you, I ask you, is it lawful to do good is it lawful to do good or to do or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to destroy it?”destroy it?” Luke 6:9Luke 6:9

For the Son of Man is For the Son of Man is LordLord of the Sabbath of the Sabbath Matt 12:8Matt 12:8The Sabbath was The Sabbath was made for manmade for man, not man , not man for the Sabbath. Mark for the Sabbath. Mark 2:272:27

I ask you, I ask you, is it lawful to do good is it lawful to do good or to do or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to destroy it?”destroy it?” Luke 6:9Luke 6:9

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Jesus Criticized for Healing on The SabbathJesus Criticized for Healing on The Sabbath

You hypocrites, does not each of you on the You hypocrites, does not each of you on the Sabbath Sabbath untie his ox or his donkeyuntie his ox or his donkey…and lead …and lead him away to water him?” Luke 13:15him away to water him?” Luke 13:15

““What man is there among you who has a What man is there among you who has a sheepsheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, , and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and will he not take hold of it and lift it outlift it out? Matt ? Matt 12:1112:11

So then, So then, it is lawful to do good it is lawful to do good on the Sabbathon the Sabbath Matt 12:12Matt 12:12

A corrective to legalism of the PhariseesA corrective to legalism of the Pharisees

You hypocrites, does not each of you on the You hypocrites, does not each of you on the Sabbath Sabbath untie his ox or his donkeyuntie his ox or his donkey…and lead …and lead him away to water him?” Luke 13:15him away to water him?” Luke 13:15

““What man is there among you who has a What man is there among you who has a sheepsheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, , and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and will he not take hold of it and lift it outlift it out? Matt ? Matt 12:1112:11

So then, So then, it is lawful to do good it is lawful to do good on the Sabbathon the Sabbath Matt 12:12Matt 12:12

A corrective to legalism of the PhariseesA corrective to legalism of the Pharisees

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NT Attitude to The SabbathNT Attitude to The Sabbath

PaulPaulTherefore Therefore let no one pass judgment on you let no one pass judgment on you [condemn you] [condemn you] in questions of food and in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a moon or a SabbathSabbath..These are a These are a shadowshadow of the things to come, of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Col but the substance belongs to Christ. Col 2:16,172:16,17

Judaizers insisting on scrupulous Sabbath obedience?Judaizers insisting on scrupulous Sabbath obedience?Sabbath/Sunday not mandated in Gentile civil law? Sabbath/Sunday not mandated in Gentile civil law?

PaulPaulTherefore Therefore let no one pass judgment on you let no one pass judgment on you [condemn you] [condemn you] in questions of food and in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a moon or a SabbathSabbath..These are a These are a shadowshadow of the things to come, of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Col but the substance belongs to Christ. Col 2:16,172:16,17

Judaizers insisting on scrupulous Sabbath obedience?Judaizers insisting on scrupulous Sabbath obedience?Sabbath/Sunday not mandated in Gentile civil law? Sabbath/Sunday not mandated in Gentile civil law?

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Christians Keeping The SabbathChristians Keeping The Sabbath

Historically Historically Festive days of Greek & Roman Calendar Festive days of Greek & Roman Calendar did not did not coincide with Sunday.coincide with Sunday.Though difficult, Christians observed Sabbath. Though difficult, Christians observed Sabbath. Had to rise at sunrise, worship, then go to work!Had to rise at sunrise, worship, then go to work!

Constantine in 321CEConstantine in 321CEDeclared Sunday a day of rest. Civil law changed.Declared Sunday a day of rest. Civil law changed.

Risk todayRisk today. Secular holidays will overshadow, . Secular holidays will overshadow, distort, or supplant Sabbath/theological holidays.distort, or supplant Sabbath/theological holidays.

Historically Historically Festive days of Greek & Roman Calendar Festive days of Greek & Roman Calendar did not did not coincide with Sunday.coincide with Sunday.Though difficult, Christians observed Sabbath. Though difficult, Christians observed Sabbath. Had to rise at sunrise, worship, then go to work!Had to rise at sunrise, worship, then go to work!

Constantine in 321CEConstantine in 321CEDeclared Sunday a day of rest. Civil law changed.Declared Sunday a day of rest. Civil law changed.

Risk todayRisk today. Secular holidays will overshadow, . Secular holidays will overshadow, distort, or supplant Sabbath/theological holidays.distort, or supplant Sabbath/theological holidays.

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Weakening of The Sabbath ConceptWeakening of The Sabbath Concept

Sunday has morphed into a “weekend” Sunday has morphed into a “weekend” A weekend of relaxation, football, recreation A weekend of relaxation, football, recreation

Sunday robbed of its importance?Sunday robbed of its importance?

Rediscover Sunday as a spiritual gift?Rediscover Sunday as a spiritual gift?

How much time should we give to Christ?How much time should we give to Christ?One hour? Two hours? More?One hour? Two hours? More?Example of Koreans, HispanicsExample of Koreans, Hispanics

Sunday has morphed into a “weekend” Sunday has morphed into a “weekend” A weekend of relaxation, football, recreation A weekend of relaxation, football, recreation

Sunday robbed of its importance?Sunday robbed of its importance?

Rediscover Sunday as a spiritual gift?Rediscover Sunday as a spiritual gift?

How much time should we give to Christ?How much time should we give to Christ?One hour? Two hours? More?One hour? Two hours? More?Example of Koreans, HispanicsExample of Koreans, Hispanics

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A Sabbath for HumanityA Sabbath for Humanity

Work can be/is oppressive for many people—bad Work can be/is oppressive for many people—bad working conditions, unreasonable bosses, working conditions, unreasonable bosses, exploitation.exploitation. Sabbath RestSabbath Rest. The worker’s right? A Sabbath . The worker’s right? A Sabbath interruption from the oppressive rhythms of life. To interruption from the oppressive rhythms of life. To lighten the burden. A way of detaching, withdrawing lighten the burden. A way of detaching, withdrawing for renewal. for renewal.

PerspectivePerspectiveWorry gives way to spiritual values, moments of Worry gives way to spiritual values, moments of encounter. encounter. Jobs/tasks/life are seen anew in their proper Jobs/tasks/life are seen anew in their proper perspective.perspective.

Work can be/is oppressive for many people—bad Work can be/is oppressive for many people—bad working conditions, unreasonable bosses, working conditions, unreasonable bosses, exploitation.exploitation. Sabbath RestSabbath Rest. The worker’s right? A Sabbath . The worker’s right? A Sabbath interruption from the oppressive rhythms of life. To interruption from the oppressive rhythms of life. To lighten the burden. A way of detaching, withdrawing lighten the burden. A way of detaching, withdrawing for renewal. for renewal.

PerspectivePerspectiveWorry gives way to spiritual values, moments of Worry gives way to spiritual values, moments of encounter. encounter. Jobs/tasks/life are seen anew in their proper Jobs/tasks/life are seen anew in their proper perspective.perspective.

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Sabbath for HumanitySabbath for Humanity

The ConceptThe ConceptSunday as the Sunday as the soulsoul of other days, a of other days, a schoolschool for the soul. for the soul.Affirms the primacy of God as well as the dignity of the Affirms the primacy of God as well as the dignity of the human person.human person.

Way to achieve balance. A synthesis of the Christian Way to achieve balance. A synthesis of the Christian life: life: to value work and also to rest in the Lord. to value work and also to rest in the Lord. A day men & women can be at peace with God and A day men & women can be at peace with God and others.others. ““Everything created by God is good and nothing is to be Everything created by God is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for then it is rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for then it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer (I Tim consecrated by the word of God and prayer (I Tim 4:4,5). 4:4,5).

The ConceptThe ConceptSunday as the Sunday as the soulsoul of other days, a of other days, a schoolschool for the soul. for the soul.Affirms the primacy of God as well as the dignity of the Affirms the primacy of God as well as the dignity of the human person.human person.

Way to achieve balance. A synthesis of the Christian Way to achieve balance. A synthesis of the Christian life: life: to value work and also to rest in the Lord. to value work and also to rest in the Lord. A day men & women can be at peace with God and A day men & women can be at peace with God and others.others. ““Everything created by God is good and nothing is to be Everything created by God is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for then it is rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for then it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer (I Tim consecrated by the word of God and prayer (I Tim 4:4,5). 4:4,5).

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Time & The SabbathTime & The Sabbath

Christ the apex, center, Alpha and Omega of time.Christ the apex, center, Alpha and Omega of time.Through the Sabbath, time acquires a theological Through the Sabbath, time acquires a theological meaning.meaning.A time for remembering creation, salvation.A time for remembering creation, salvation.Maranatha! An invitation to look ahead to the future.Maranatha! An invitation to look ahead to the future. ResurrectionResurrection. Sunday springs from the resurrection.. Sunday springs from the resurrection.Celebration of the risen Christ. Celebration of the risen Christ. Has nothing to do with the cosmic cycles or natural Has nothing to do with the cosmic cycles or natural religion and culture. religion and culture.

Motivation of Liturgical YearMotivation of Liturgical Year. Desire to extend . Desire to extend celebration of Christ: Advent/Christmas (4 weeks), celebration of Christ: Advent/Christmas (4 weeks), Lent/Easter (40 days). Most important? Easter, Lent/Easter (40 days). Most important? Easter, Pentecost, Incarnation Pentecost, Incarnation

Christ the apex, center, Alpha and Omega of time.Christ the apex, center, Alpha and Omega of time.Through the Sabbath, time acquires a theological Through the Sabbath, time acquires a theological meaning.meaning.A time for remembering creation, salvation.A time for remembering creation, salvation.Maranatha! An invitation to look ahead to the future.Maranatha! An invitation to look ahead to the future. ResurrectionResurrection. Sunday springs from the resurrection.. Sunday springs from the resurrection.Celebration of the risen Christ. Celebration of the risen Christ. Has nothing to do with the cosmic cycles or natural Has nothing to do with the cosmic cycles or natural religion and culture. religion and culture.

Motivation of Liturgical YearMotivation of Liturgical Year. Desire to extend . Desire to extend celebration of Christ: Advent/Christmas (4 weeks), celebration of Christ: Advent/Christmas (4 weeks), Lent/Easter (40 days). Most important? Easter, Lent/Easter (40 days). Most important? Easter, Pentecost, Incarnation Pentecost, Incarnation

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Service & The SabbathService & The Sabbath

Service to othersService to othersSunday as opportunity for works of mercy, to those who Sunday as opportunity for works of mercy, to those who are sick, elderly, isolated, suffering. are sick, elderly, isolated, suffering.

Comparable to Christ’s mandateComparable to Christ’s mandate: “to preach good news : “to preach good news to the poor…release to the captives…sight to the blind, to the poor…release to the captives…sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed… to set at liberty those who are oppressed… If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love…love one another John 15:10-12love…love one another John 15:10-12

Sharing financiallySharing financially: On the first day of the week, each of : On the first day of the week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn (I you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn (I Cor 16:2)—a culture of gratitude, sharing James 2:2-4 Cor 16:2)—a culture of gratitude, sharing James 2:2-4

Service to othersService to othersSunday as opportunity for works of mercy, to those who Sunday as opportunity for works of mercy, to those who are sick, elderly, isolated, suffering. are sick, elderly, isolated, suffering.

Comparable to Christ’s mandateComparable to Christ’s mandate: “to preach good news : “to preach good news to the poor…release to the captives…sight to the blind, to the poor…release to the captives…sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed… to set at liberty those who are oppressed… If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love…love one another John 15:10-12love…love one another John 15:10-12

Sharing financiallySharing financially: On the first day of the week, each of : On the first day of the week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn (I you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn (I Cor 16:2)—a culture of gratitude, sharing James 2:2-4 Cor 16:2)—a culture of gratitude, sharing James 2:2-4

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Sunday as Fulfillment, CulminationSunday as Fulfillment, Culmination

SundaySundayNot the replacement but the fulfillment Not the replacement but the fulfillment of the Sabbath—its extension, culmination.of the Sabbath—its extension, culmination.Sunday owes its existence to the resurrection! Sunday owes its existence to the resurrection!

Reasons for Retention of Sabbath IdeaReasons for Retention of Sabbath IdeaThough some aspects of Jewish Sabbath are obsolete, Though some aspects of Jewish Sabbath are obsolete, the the underlyingunderlying reasons for keeping the Sunday holy reasons for keeping the Sunday holy remain.remain.God resting on 7God resting on 7thth day of creation as a basic principle. day of creation as a basic principle.Sabbath as a gracious rest for man, animals, the Sabbath as a gracious rest for man, animals, the ecology. ecology. Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath, healing, forgiving, liberating Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath, healing, forgiving, liberating Gratitude for a Risen Christ, all that God has doneGratitude for a Risen Christ, all that God has done

SundaySundayNot the replacement but the fulfillment Not the replacement but the fulfillment of the Sabbath—its extension, culmination.of the Sabbath—its extension, culmination.Sunday owes its existence to the resurrection! Sunday owes its existence to the resurrection!

Reasons for Retention of Sabbath IdeaReasons for Retention of Sabbath IdeaThough some aspects of Jewish Sabbath are obsolete, Though some aspects of Jewish Sabbath are obsolete, the the underlyingunderlying reasons for keeping the Sunday holy reasons for keeping the Sunday holy remain.remain.God resting on 7God resting on 7thth day of creation as a basic principle. day of creation as a basic principle.Sabbath as a gracious rest for man, animals, the Sabbath as a gracious rest for man, animals, the ecology. ecology. Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath, healing, forgiving, liberating Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath, healing, forgiving, liberating Gratitude for a Risen Christ, all that God has doneGratitude for a Risen Christ, all that God has done

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Questions about the SabbathQuestions about the Sabbath

Saturday or Sunday?Saturday or Sunday?Only for Jews? Only for Jews? For Christians too? How so?For Christians too? How so?For all humanity?For all humanity?Sabbath devoted to God or intended for us too?Sabbath devoted to God or intended for us too? Shop on Sabbath? Travel? Do homework?Shop on Sabbath? Travel? Do homework?Social Media? Watch Sports, Movies? Social Media? Watch Sports, Movies?

Are we too distracted, conflicted?Are we too distracted, conflicted?

Saturday or Sunday?Saturday or Sunday?Only for Jews? Only for Jews? For Christians too? How so?For Christians too? How so?For all humanity?For all humanity?Sabbath devoted to God or intended for us too?Sabbath devoted to God or intended for us too? Shop on Sabbath? Travel? Do homework?Shop on Sabbath? Travel? Do homework?Social Media? Watch Sports, Movies? Social Media? Watch Sports, Movies?

Are we too distracted, conflicted?Are we too distracted, conflicted?

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Acknowledgements. Ideas from:Daniel Block, For the Glory of God (Baker, 2014)

Dennis Olson,Touching the Altar (Eerdmans, 2008)Pope John Paul II

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_05071998_dies-domini_en.html

Acknowledgements. Ideas from:Daniel Block, For the Glory of God (Baker, 2014)

Dennis Olson,Touching the Altar (Eerdmans, 2008)Pope John Paul II

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_05071998_dies-domini_en.html

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