“He told them, ‘This is what the LORD commanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for the LORD. So bake or boil as much as you want today, and set aside what is left for tomorrow.’”

Exodus 16:23 (NLT)

At last, God was providing food for the children of Israel. It literally rained bread from heaven. Everyone had enough to eat provided they rose in the morning and gathered it. But God was not only concerned that they have enough to eat; He also made sure they had enough rest.

Now God established the Sabbath after He made creation.

For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.

Exodus 20:11 (NKJV)

If God set apart one day in seven for resting, then so should we. It’s a time for worship, family, reflection and recuperation. People who neglect taking a Sabbath pay the price in their health, attitude, creativity and productivity.

God tested them to see if they would obey His commandment. He gave them twice as much manna on Friday, so they could rest on Saturday. But did they obey? Most did, but some did not. They went out on the Sabbath and gathered anyway. Evidently, they thought it was more profitable to work through their day off. But they were wrong.

Do you take a day off to rest, renew and recreate? Remember that God made the Sabbath for man (Mark 2:27). Under the New Covenant, it doesn’t matter which day you take off. We don’t do this as a legal obligation since we are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14). We observe a Sabbath because our loving Heavenly Father has provided it for our welfare and blessing.

“This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalm 118:24 (NKJV)

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