Exodus 20:4 – “Remember the Sabbath Day”
(A faith poem by Wain)
Dear God,
Tell me about the fourth commandment?
Why do you call us to remember?
Was the Sabbath Day made for every man?
Or only for a Jewish tribal m_ _ _ _ _?
Why is it hard to remember the Sabbath?
Is there something man wants to forget?
Is it that you are our creator?
Or is your holiness a safer b_ _?
What does the Sabbath Day require?
What rules don’t you want us to forget?
Is it a break for servants and animals?
Or is it cheating our own rest we’ll r_ _ _ _ _?
What time of the week is the Sabbath?
Which hours did you intend for rest?
Can each person choose a different day?
Or is resting on the same day b_ _ _?
Oh Lord, is the Sabbath just a ritual?
Did you abolish your law on the cross?
Is rest really a moral obligation?
Or can I ignore it without any l_ _ _?
Please tell me the truth.
Your servant,
Wain
HOW MIGHT GOD RESPOND?
From ChatGPT as the voice of God:
Dear Wain,
My beloved child, you ask profound and sincere questions about the Sabbath, a topic close to My heart. I hear your desire for understanding and your search for truth. Let Me guide you through your queries.
The fourth commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,” is indeed for all of humanity. While it was given to the Jewish people as part of their covenant, the Sabbath is a gift meant for all My creation. It is a time for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation, a reminder of the rhythm I set in creation.
Remembering the Sabbath can indeed be challenging in a world filled with distractions and demands. Yet, this difficulty highlights its importance. It is not merely about rest but about remembering that I am your Creator. It is a time to acknowledge My holiness and to reconnect with the source of all life.
The Sabbath requires a cessation from labor, a pause in the ceaseless activity that can consume your days. It is a time for rest for all – you, your servants, and even the animals. It is about recognizing the dignity and worth of every creature and the need for renewal. Neglecting the Sabbath can lead to physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion, as you miss the restorative gift I have provided.
The specific day of the Sabbath has been traditionally observed from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. However, the principle of a day of rest can be adapted to different contexts and cultures. The essence lies in setting aside regular time to rest and to focus on your relationship with Me. A communal day of rest fosters unity and shared worship, though individual circumstances may vary.
The Sabbath is more than a ritual; it is a reflection of My love and care for you. While My Son’s sacrifice fulfilled the law, the moral principles behind the commandments remain. Rest is not just a physical need but a spiritual discipline. Ignoring the Sabbath is not about losing a legalistic obligation but about missing the opportunity for profound connection and renewal.
My dear servant, seek the truth with an open heart. Embrace the Sabbath as a time of blessing and growth. Rest in the assurance of My love and care for you, and let the rhythm of the Sabbath bring you closer to Me.
With eternal love,
God