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AN AMAZING FACT: Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut is an observant Jew who has made a practice of observing the Sabbath since the early days of his political career. He wrote a book, released in August 2011, about his faith and political career in which he emphasized the beauty of the Sabbath.
Senator Lieberman describes his observance of the Sabbath as “according to the Jewish practice,” which includes not turning on lights or driving a car during the holy hours. He also turns off his cell phone and electronic devices, only leaving his home’s landline active in case of emergencies. He spends the time with his family and, he says, tries to enjoy a Sabbath afternoon nap.
Jesus affirmed His belief in observing the Sabbath both by claiming ownership of it as “Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28) and by faithfully observing it Himself through corporate religious worship (Luke 4:16). However, unlike Senator Lieberman, He chose not to observe the rabbinical teachings about the Sabbath, calling them “the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). Instead, He focused on worship, healing, and sustenance.
Many people in today’s world believe that the seventh-day Sabbath has been abolished, replaced instead by an alternate day of worship. While many people with this belief are sincere lovers of God, the Bible tells us not only that the Sabbath remains in effect today, but it will also stay that way throughout eternity. Isaiah 66:23 tell us, regarding God’s kingdom, “And it shall come to pass That from one New Moon to another, And from one Sabbath to another, All flesh shall come to worship before Me.”
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
Isaiah 58:13Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Isaiah 58:14
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