When I was little my parents used to commute to work. My day care awaited me near where they worked so everyday we would load up the car and be on our way. There were many times that we would be in the car for several hours as we waited in traffic. You can imagine the boredom and certain frustration that would often ensue as we tried to get to work or home.
As we made those journeys day in and day out I began to look forward to the signs that indicated we were getting close to our destination.
In the spiritual world there are also signs. The Rainbow was a sign that God would keep is covenant never to destroy the earth again by a flood. Perhaps we take for granted this beautiful arch, but to the people immediately following Noah's day this was a wonderful reminder of God's mercy and provision. Abraham was told to circumcise his household. From the day God made a promise or covenant with Abraham circumcision was a physical sign that through Abraham's descendants all the world would be blessed.When the Israelites left Egypt God told them to bind the law in their hearts and minds as a sign that God delivered them from Egypt with a mighty hand.
Signs both remind us of where we've been, i.e. the flood, without blessing, in Egypt, and where we are going as in counting on seed time and harvest, blessings from God, and freedom from slavery both physical and spiritual. Perhaps this is why the Sabbath is so important.
The Sabbath is a tremendous sign because it points backwards to our origins as beings created by a benevolent God and forwards to our final redemption from this fallen world. However the Sabbath is unique because it is not only a sign that tells us where we have been and where we are going, it is also a sign of where we are right now with God.
"You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you." Exodus 31:13
There are many signs along the road to heaven but perhaps none is as worth noticing as the Sign of the Sabbath.
Comments