First Reading:  Deuteronomy 5:12-15

Keeping the Sabbath

Many people don't realize the Ten Commandments were recorded in order of importance. The first three commandments concern one's obligation to God. The next seven concern one's duty to neighbor.

The First Commandment addressed loyalty. (And since loyalty to a national God defined one's allegiance to his or her people, religious loyalty was synonymous with patriotism.)

The Second Commandment addressed respect for power. Since one's name revealed his or her inner power and character, use of the name, ancient people believed, could manipulate one's power. This commandment demanded respect for God's name and, so, his power. The Hebrews existed because of God's power. They were not to abuse that power by needlessly evoking his name.

The Third Commandment addressed freedom under God. One can be free from something, so they can freely choose for something. God had freed his people from ongoing servitude so they could worship and be re-created. Hence, everyone and everything observed this sacred time of rest so they could be renewed. Sabbath freed the believer from work, so the believer could choose God and allow God to show his creative power.

Current culture now treats Sunday as a secular holiday with religious overtones. People work and play on the Lord's Day. But do they worship? Do they return to God the blessings he has given them? Do they allow God time to renew their spirit?

Have you ever taken a Sunday afternoon in quiet prayer and reflection? Have you ever prayed with your family to offer your Sunday time and activity to God? How did it (or could it) change your Sunday?