The Sabbath: A Time for Spiritual Alignment

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, where the relentless cycle of work and responsibility often leaves us feeling drained, tired, and empty, the Sabbath stands as a beacon of rest. It's more than just a day off; it's a vital, restorative shift, a weekly pause meant to replenish our spirit and reconnect us to the Most High.

A Refuge From the Daily Toll:

For six days, we pour our energy into our labors, navigating the demands of our professions, families, and everyday tasks. The weight of these responsibilities can accumulate, leaving us weary and worn down. The Sabbath, however, offers a sanctuary from this daily toll. It’s a time to lay down our burdens, to step away from the relentless cycle of cleaning, cooking, working a 9 to 5 job, etc., and to simply be.

This is not merely about physical rest, though that is certainly a part of it. It’s about mental and emotional rejuvenation. It’s about allowing our minds to be quiet, our spirits to mend, and our bodies to recover. Just as the earth needs a fallow period to replenish its nutrients, we too need a period of rest to restore our inner balance.

A Spiritual Connection to the Most High:

Beyond physical rest, the Sabbath is a profound spiritual connection. It’s a time dedicated to acknowledging and honoring the Most High, a moment to strengthen our bond with Him. In the midst of our busy lives, it’s easy to lose sight of our spiritual compass. The Sabbath provides a dedicated space for prayer, reflection, and fellowship. It’s an opportunity to realign our hearts and minds with our faith, to seek guidance, and to find solace in the presence of the Holy One of Yisrael.

Reaffirming the Covenant:

The weekly observance of the Sabbath also serves as a powerful reminder of the covenant our forefathers made with the Most High. It’s a tangible expression of our commitment, a weekly reaffirmation of our faith and our dedication to following the divine path. This covenant, the “covenant of the Sabbath,” is a sacred agreement, a bond that transcends generations. By honoring the Sabbath, we honor that covenant, keeping the promise made by those who came before us. 

A Gift of Renewal:

In essence, the Sabbath is a gift, a weekly opportunity for renewal. It’s a time to step back from the world, to reconnect with our spiritual selves, and to reaffirm our commitment to the Most High. It’s a day of peace, reflection, and restoration, a vital pause in the rhythm of our lives. By embracing the Sabbath, we embrace a deeper sense of peace and connection, finding strength and solace in its sacred embrace.

The concept of the Sabbath being "holy to GOD" is a central principle rooted in the Torah, and it signifies a special, set-apart time designated by Him. Here's a breakdown of what that entails:

1. Holy Designation:

• The Sabbath's holiness originates from GOD's own action. In the creation narrative (Genesis 2:2-3), after GOD completed creation, He rested on the seventh day and "blessed the seventh day and made it holy." This act establishes the Sabbath as a divinely ordained period. A period that is sacred, free from our own desires, i.e. weddings, funerals, anniversaries, showers (baby or wedding), gatherings such as barbecues, parties, family reunions, etc. None of these activities align with the holiness and sacredness of this day. What is holy about a funeral where an unclean body exists? All of the above activities and more are not mandatory on the sabbath. They can be held six days of the week but the sabbath is holy to GOD. What don’t we understand about those words? Elohim commands man to be holy but if you walk in the precepts of man, then you are not holy. Man cannot change the holiness of the Sabbath. GOD sets the order of the Sabbath and He ordained it to be “holy.” Man cannot control who dies on the Sabbath but man can control the burial of said person.
• This means that the Sabbath is not merely a human invention but a sacred time established by GOD Himself. It's a recognition that time itself can be holy, and that Elohim has set aside this particular period for a special purpose, and this purpose is not to be superseded by the thoughts, ideologies, precepts, and opinions of man.

2. A Sign of Covenant:

• The Sabbath is also presented as a sign of the covenant between Elohim and His people, we, who are the children of Yisrael (Exodus 31:13, 17). Keeping the Sabbath is an outward expression (sign) of an inward commitment to GOD. Therefore, if you are not keeping the Sabbath holy by attending funerals, baby showers, weddings, parties, etc. along with the rest of the world, then what sets you apart my brother or my sister? Your outward expression speaks volumes and it says that you are a covenant breaker not covenant keeper.
• The Sabbath serves as a continual reminder of GOD'S relationship with His people, a weekly reaffirmation of their allegiance.

3. A Time of Sacred Rest:

• The holiness of the Sabbath implies that it is to be treated differently from other days. Yes, differently, by doing something different; not doing the same activities and work that is done six days of the week. It is a time for sacred rest, a cessation from ordinary labor.
• This rest is not simply about physical inactivity but about creating space for spiritual reflection, worship, and connection with GOD. By setting aside worldly work, worldy activities, and worldly thoughts, you are able to focus on your relationship with GOD.

4. A Reflection of GOD'S Nature:

• By resting on the seventh day, GOD set an example for humanity. The Sabbath, therefore, reflects GOD’S own nature and His desire for His people to experience rest and renewal.
• It is a reminder that GOD is the creator, and that He is the one who provides rest. He is the one who set this day apart, cut it off from the rest of the week for His divine purpose.

In essence, the Sabbath's holiness signifies that it is a time set apart for GOD’S purposes, a period of sacred rest and covenant remembrance.

The Sabbath isn't about ceasing all activity, but rather about shifting the focus of our activity to wholehearted worship and praise. Here's a breakdown of this:

1. Continuous Worship:

• "We don't take a day off from GOD!" This underscores the idea that our relationship with Him is constant, not confined to a specific time or place.
• Worship and praise is a continuous integral part of the Sabbath day, transforming it into a day of heightened spiritual awareness.

2. Worship as a Perspective Shifter:

• "Worship puts our lives into perspective." This is a key insight. In the midst of daily stresses, worship allows us to refocus on what truly matters.
• It helps us to see our lives through a divine lens, recognizing our place in the larger scheme of things.

3. The Danger of Neglecting GOD:

• "If we're too busy for GOD, then our lives lose focus and direction." This warns against the perils of allowing worldly pursuits to overshadow our spiritual lives.
• When we neglect our connection with GOD, we risk losing our moral compass and drifting aimlessly. We then begin to make excuses for the activities that we participate in on the Sabbath. From funerals, to weddings, to shopping, to partying, to drinking and smoking to not acknowledging GOD nor the Sabbath as being “holy.”

4. Divine Guidance:

• "For the laws of GOD order man's steps," Psalms 37:23. This emphasizes the importance of divine guidance in our lives.
• By aligning ourselves with Elohim's laws and statutes, we find direction and purpose. The Sabbath provides a dedicated time to reflect on and reaffirm this alignment.

A Spiritual Connection to the Most High, and a Delightful Day:

As Isaiah 58:13-14 reminds us:

"If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of YAH honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in YAH, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of YAH has spoken."  

These verses declare that the Sabbath is not meant to be a day of self-indulgence, nor a day of self-will, but a day of delight in YAH. It’s a time to set aside our own desires and find joy in His presence. It's a day made honorable by our actions.

Reaffirming the Covenant and Riding on High Places:

And, as Elohim promises in the book of Isaiah, when we truly honor the Sabbath, we will “take delight in YAH.” We will be lifted up, “riding on the heights of the earth,” and nourished with the blessings of our heritage.

In essence, our understanding of holiness transforms the Sabbath from a day of mere physical rest to a day of active, continuous spiritual engagement. It's a day dedicated to:

• Deepening our connection with Elohim through worship and praise.
• Gaining clarity and perspective in our lives.
• Seeking and following divine guidance.
• Maintaining a constant consciousness of the presence of the Most High.
• Realigning our morals and values with His.
• Maintaining its sacredness.

In conclusion, the Sabbath is far more than a mere cessation of work. It's a divinely ordained opportunity for profound renewal, a wellspring that nourishes our bodies, minds, and spirits. By setting aside the burdens of our daily toil and embracing the holiness of the Sabbath, we open ourselves to a deeper connection with the Most High. As Isaiah reminds us, it is a day of delight, a time to find joy in His presence and to reaffirm the covenant that binds us. When we honor the Sabbath, we honor Elohim, and in turn, we are promised a life lifted up, nourished, and blessed. Let us embrace this sacred gift, allowing the Sabbath to restore, refresh, and realign us with the true purpose of our existence. HalleluYAH!

I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. Shalom