Jeremiah 17:24
“But now, take seriously what I tell you. Quit desecrating the Sabbath by busily going about your own work, and keep the Sabbath day holy by not doing business as usual. Then kings from the time of David and their officials will continue to ride through these gates on horses or in chariots.”
“But if you obey me, says the LORD, and do not carry on your trade at the gates or work on the Sabbath day, and if you keep it holy, then kings and officials will keep going in and out of this gate forever.”
How exactly do we keep the Sabbath holy? God says two things about this through Jeremiah. First is the exhortation to set aside our own private work. Second warns us to stay away from, “doing business as usual,” with others. Sabbath keeping means setting our time aside for something restful and set apart (holy). It has a personal and corporate aspect. Ir is about what is going on in our hearts, not keeping a list of Sabbath rules. Though many have tried, it cannot be defined. We need the Spirit’s help. Only his presence and advice can show us how to make the day especially God’s and provide the rest we need.
Lord, thank you for the freedom we have in Jesus. Show me how to appropriate this freedom in keeping your Sabbath holy. Help me navigate the minefield of rules and delight in you instead.