Contemplative Bible Reading

Exodus 31:15 (New Living Translation)

15 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the Lord. Anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death.

Moses is passing along words from God to the people. The seventh day was for rest. It was “holy” meaning that it was a day set apart from the others by Jehovah, the Creator God.

Observing the Sabbath was not just a county ordinance. It was a gift from God. Resting on the seventh day was something that said, “We are following after Jehovah God.” Working on the seventh day was something that said, “We follow our own ways. Jehovah God? Meh.”

It wasn’t the work; it wasn’t the rest. It was about the relationship to God. It was about accepting a gift from God.

Salvation is a gift from God. Rejecting that gift brings death. No one is going to “round up the unbelievers” and shoot them. Inevitable death comes. Salvation is now. Thank you God.