We need to understand and formulate a right approach to this day. It cannot be just like any other day of the week.
A day of testing whether we will keep the Sabbath holy in the way God has prescribed? (Exodus 16:4; Exodus 31:13, 17; Ezekiel 20:12, 20)
A day of ceasing from:
- Our work (Leviticus 23:7; Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15)
- Our ways (Isaiah 58:13)
- Our pleasures (Isaiah 58:13)
- Our words (Isaiah 58:13)
- Our burdens (Exodus 6:6-7; Nehemiah 13:15-22)
A day for engaging in:
- God’s work ( John 6:29, Mark 16:16, Philippians 2:12)
- God’s ways (Jeremiah 6:16)
- God’s pleasures (Philippians 2:13; Luke 12:32; Ephesians 1:5)
- God’s words (Luke 4:4, 16-21; Acts 17:2-3)
- Worshiping and honoring God (Exodus 20:8-10; Isaiah 58:13)
- Fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25; Leviticus 23:3; Nehemiah 8:8; Acts 18:4, 11; Acts 2:1, 42)
- Coming before God (Leviticus 19:30; Leviticus 16:1-4; Exodus 28:1-3; 1 Peter 2:5, 9)
- Doing good within the other guidelines (Matthew 12:9-14)
- Healing and rejuvenation (Mark 3:4; Luke 13:16)
- Freedom and liberation (Deuteronomy 5:15, 1 John 5:3)
God has given us general rules by which we can answer the specific questions we may have on how to keep the Sabbath properly. He has given us guiding principles that allow us to make the right decision on how to observe the Sabbath.
This is why we make the effort to prepare to keep the Sabbath day holy. (Exodus 16:5, 29-30)