It may seem that modern, paved highways have always existed, but they’re a fairly recent invention. Intended to help people travel quickly and safely, they’re also a source of accidents and traffic jams. Many commuters lament the need to travel on highways—viewing them as an inconvenient and even dangerous part of modern life. What was designed to be a blessing is now viewed as a burden by these drivers.
A similar principle was at work in the life of Israel when it came to the Sabbath. Jesus, the “Lord, even over the Sabbath!” (Mark 2:28), taught that it was supposed to be a life-giving blessing to the people (Mark 2:27). But it had been transformed into a set of rigid rules and regulations that constrained and punished people. In fact, Jesus’ radical teaching on the Sabbath seemed so scandalous to the Pharisees that it became part of the reason they wanted to kill Him.
The Pharisees misunderstood the nature of the Sabbath because they misunderstood God’s heart. They rightly saw Him as powerful and holy, and so—to them—the Sabbath was a stern command from Him. But Jesus came with a fresh revelation of the identity and character of God. Yes, He’s powerful and holy, but He’s also our Father; He knows what we need and is generous with us (Matthew 6:9-13, 7:9-11). It’s this concept of God that enlightens our understanding of this day of rest.
This is an important reminder: In order to rightly interpret the Sabbath, or any other command of God, we must rightly understand God’s heart. If to us He’s an angry judge, then we’ll interpret His commands differently than if we see Him as He truly is—a wise, powerful, and loving Father.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 John 3:1-24
More:
Read John 8:1-11 for another example of Jesus’ understanding that the law should not be used to condemn others but to illuminate our own behavior.
Next:
What other examples in Scripture point to a rule or regulation that seem harsh but are actually there for our good? How does your view of God affect the way you interpret His rules?
BearPair on December 26, 2015 at 4:00 am
Wonderful, insightful counsel Peter! That really is the key to living every part of the life Christ designs for each of us… we must know His heart–be in constant, fresh communion with Him–to understand His instructions for living. Thanks Peter!
peter chin on December 26, 2015 at 5:42 pm
Thank you, praying that you would always be deeply connected not just to what God wants, but who God is!
Gary Shultz on December 26, 2015 at 6:30 am
Interesting and true. I find most everything God does is for our good. I think we also miss many things that will never be for our earthly good, but the Spirit has become our heavenly financial adviser, helping us invest in eternal values. I have recently adjusted my 7th day activities to be more conformant to the 4th commandment. Not because I had to , but because my Father said it’s for my benefit, so it might be wise to re-examine busy schedules and take God’s advice. Thank you Peter.
peter chin on December 26, 2015 at 5:45 pm
Thanks Gary, a great point. God’s goodness and wisdom extends even beyond the scope of our earthly lives, which means we have to expand our parameters of what is “good” – good for now AND/OR eternity.
gagirllive on December 26, 2015 at 7:45 am
Great insight…another example of how “rules without relationship equal rebellion”. When we know, love, and trust our Father’s good heart toward us, His commandments are not grievous.
peter chin on December 26, 2015 at 5:43 pm
Yes, that’s a perfect summary: rules without relationship equal rebellion
jim spillane on December 26, 2015 at 12:09 pm
Many of us talk about our busy lifestyles, so in keeping with the idea that many rules are put in place for our own good, shouldn’t we take just one day out of each week to just slow down and rest. And while we’re doing so, let’s take a look at the word “busy” in this light – Burdened Under Satan’s Yoke. Christmas blessings to all.
peter chin on December 26, 2015 at 5:46 pm
Ha, good point. Funny that there’s not a person alive that doesn’t complain that their lives are too busy, and yet we chafe enormously when God says, “you should really take a break”!
Roxanne Robbins on December 26, 2015 at 5:02 pm
My observation has been that people don’t mind the highways as much as the number of people using them. Regardless of opinions, it’s true many things intended for good often have downsides. God’s commands, on the other hand, are consistently good — even if / when we consider them restrictive rather beneficial. (E.g. Sabbath rest is a gift yet we often view it as something to prevent us from earning more through non-stop work).