Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 13:15-16, 19, 21

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 13:15-16, 19, 21

"In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.

There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.

And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.

Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath."

Nehemiah observed the Jews were breaking the Sabbath. In an effort to control the observance of the Sabbath the gates were shut during that time frame. That kept the merchants and sellers from coming in to sell their wares. The merchants were also ordered to not lodge themselves outside the walls or they would be punished.

This made me ponder on how stores used to be closed on Sundays when I was younger. Now its nothing to see the stores open and people shopping. Restaurants are open and full. I never could understand how people would go out to eat right after attending church. Unless we were traveling we didn't eat out. I thought about how keeping the merchants out, stores closed, and even sporting events off limits really did help a community and its attention to God on the Sabbath. I really miss what used to be. Now my observance of the Sabbath truly is a sign I give to God. There is no one saying what I can and cannot do on that day. It is my choice on how I worship Him. But, with that choice and greater freedom is the right to simply fall away and worship myself on that day.

Day 2585