Lets explore the concept of Sabbath and what God desires from us on this holy day. It begins by recounting the Old Testament story from Numbers 15, where a man was executed for gathering wood on the Sabbath, highlighting the serious nature of breaking this commandment. This punishment, however, seems harsh and raises questions about God's intentions.

The sermon explains that the Sabbath commandment was given to remind the Israelites of their freedom from slavery in Egypt and to ensure rest for everyone, including servants and animals. It was about trusting God's provision rather than self-reliance.

Tim then compares this with the New Testament account where Jesus and his disciples picked grain on the Sabbath, and Jesus defended their actions, emphasizing mercy and the intent behind the Sabbath.

The true issue, as the sermon outlines, is the hardness of heart. Both the disobedient man in Numbers and the Pharisees in the Gospels displayed stubborn hearts—one through disregard for the law and the others through rigid enforcement without compassion.

Ultimately, Tim concludes that the Sabbath is not about strict adherence to rules but about trusting God and finding rest in gis provision. This rest is not limited to one day but is a continuous, spiritual rest in Christ. The apostle Paul's teachings in Colossians are referenced to illustrate that all laws, including the Sabbath, are fulfilled in Christ. Therefore, God desires us to rest in Him daily, trusting in His care and provision.

This Sunday sermon, based on Mark 2 verses 23 - 3:6, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on June 2, 2024. This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Our services are at 9:30am every Sunday morning, at our campus in Dix Hills on Long Island. Visit our website for more information, at www.graceofgod.church

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)

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Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.