Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it. Exodus 20:8, 11 NRSV

As with all God’s laws, the fourth commandment is intended for our good. In His mercy, God set aside one day a week for us to rest and worship. The Jewish people of the Old Testament established their Sabbath on Saturday, the seventh day of the week. From its earliest days, the Christian church has gathered to worship on Sunday, the first day of the week. Sunday is also known as the Lord’s Day, the day Christ rose from the dead.

Whatever day you set aside as a Sabbath, realize that God made the Sabbath for you. God never intended you to work non-stop, seven days a week without ever taking a break. And He doesn’t want you to miss out on worship with the body of Christ either. He gave you the Sabbath so you could slow down, rest from your work, and gather with God’s people to worship and pray.

Thus saith the Lord.