“Church” (in Greek) means “to be called out,” i.e. people who are separated from the world. The nation of Israel is also “called out” by God. One of the ways God did this is by giving them the law of the Sabbath. This shows how distinct Israel, a nation of God, is from the rest of the world. The law of the Sabbath, an important commandment, teaches us the following lessons.

(1) Remember God’s provision (Exod 16:22-24)

The children of Israel were commanded to gather twice as much manna on the sixth day because the seventh day is “the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the LORD” (Exod 16:23). It was a miracle that the manna kept for the seventh day did not spoil. God can provide through unexpected ways.

God’s laws will never over-burden us. They are given for our good always (Deut 6:24). We grow in our relationship with God through our experience of His faithfulness as He provides for our needs. On the Sabbath Day, we are to rest from our labour, and focus our minds on God. We are not to enjoy for ourselves but to enjoy the Lord (Exod 16:23) which is the truest and purest enjoyment for us! Enjoying God is true rest. As we hear the preaching of His Word and fellowship with our brethren, our minds will be refreshed and our spirits lifted.

(2) Lesson of Obedience (Exod 16:25-28)

As we obey God’s command to keep the Sabbath holy, we may have to give up certain activities. And this is when we can experience how God can provide for us. As some children of Israel disobeyed God (Exod 16:27-28), do we disobey God too? Do we consider the law of the Sabbath to be of least importance? Our attitude must always be to submit to every commandment of God. Our obedience must not just be in form, but from the heart. We must neither give excuses nor let anything prevent us from keeping the law of the Sabbath. We must trust that God will provide for us when we obey His commandments faithfully.

(3) Expression of Faith (Exod 16:29-31)

Exodus 16:29 tells us that even as “the LORD hath given you the sabbath,” He made sure that “he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days.” This shows that God who gives the law will also be the One to provide. Thus, we must trust Him and put our faith in Him. He has promised to provide.

Conclusion: Let us honour God by keeping the Sabbath Day holy, and thus testify to the world that we are truly God’s people, separated from the world.