Romans 12: 1-8 v 7 “But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this scripture: “I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.”
Jesus was walking through some grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they picked the grain and started to eat it. Pharisees saw this and said that they were breaking the law. Jesus went back through the Old Testament and found examples of others who had done the same thing. He also explained that “There is one here who is even greater than the temple.” Jesus also said, “but you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this scripture: “I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.” For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath.
For the Jews at this time the Sabbath was a Saturday, a time for rest and recovery, worship, and prayer, because of the day that God rested after creation. For Christians today the Sabbath is Sunday as it is the day that Christ rose from the dead, a weekly celebration and time to reflect and worship.
There is no doubt in the bible that corporate worship is a core belief. Getting together with other Christians to learn from the teachings in the bible is important. Does this have to be done exclusively on a Sunday? Maybe not. To support each other in our daily lives, and care for others in the community who are struggling is the goal of Crosswalk and many other Christian organizations as well who value relationship building. Is this not allowed on a Sunday? Jesus taught that his yoke was easy to bear. Living a balanced life of work and rest with God at the center should be easy. To have Jesus as our Lord. To take time in our week to worship God yes. But God looks into our hearts and we see here that the practical side of His teachings to show mercy to others which means to be forgiving and withhold punishment on any day of the week is more important than going through the motions, making sacrifices, performing public worship, without acknowledging that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Prayer: Heavenly Father who enjoys our worship on any day of the week, help us to find balance in our lives, to put aside time to learn more about you, to rest, and rejoice with Jesus our Lord. Amen.
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