Reformation Lutheran 1997 Lenten Devotional - Number 26
March 9, 1997. Today's Bible verse is Mark 2: 23-28; 3:1-6
Lord of the Sabbath
Have you ever read what David did, when he was in
need and was hungry, he and those who were with him. Every week
the priests prepared twelve loaves of bread in accordance with
instructions in Leviticus 24: 5-9, and laid them on the table
on the Sabbath before God. When the twelve fresh loaves were
placed on the table, the priests could eat the old loaves if they
so desired.
In Genesis 2:2 the statement is made that God rested
on the seventh day. This is the first mention of the biblical
doctrine of the Sabbath. Among the children of Israel the seventh
day or Saturday, was the Sabbath. Indeed this was a part of the
Mosaic Law (Exodus 20: 9 - 17). Eventually it became hedged about
by all kinds of artificial and hairsplitting regulations so that
in Jesus' day one could not even walk beyond a certain distance
without breaking the law. Christ enunciated two major principles
concerning the Sabbath: (1) it was made for man, not vice versa,
(2) certain types of work were permissible even on the Sabbath
- works of mercy and works of necessity. To pluck grain for food
was a work of necessity and to pull an ox out of a hole was a
work of mercy, so also to care for the healing of the sick. "Remember
the Sabbath day and keep it holy".
Prayer: Almighty
and everlasting God, comfort the sad and give strength to those
who suffer. Let the prayers of your children who are in trouble
rise to you. To everyone in distress grant mercy, relief, and
refreshment, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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