58:13
The Sabbath is often mentioned, especially in Isaiah, and is associated with true commitment to the Lord. If we see this purely in terms of not doing any work then we miss the point. The resting is a sign that we are dependent upon God for all our provision. This does not mean we have no part to play, for God gives us work to do. But because we have work to do we must not then think that it is we who provide, or that our provision is dependent upon us. So the Sabbath in the Old Testament demonstrated this in terms of physical food, and someone who kept the Sabbath was expressing faith in God. Notice here that the emphasis is on no going our own way, but by honouring God. In New Testament terms it is purely spiritual, in that we trust God for our salvation, He is the One who provides. We still have things to do, we need to have faith, and we need to live lives of obedience, but these things do not earn or provide our salvation.
58:14
There is great reward in keeping the Sabbath. In Old Testament terms there is rest, and true rest is something we still very much need. In New Testament terms there is salvation, which is dependent only on the completely trustworthy Lord, and not on our fickle selves. Both are applicable today. This does not mean we should keep Saturday as a Sabbath, nor even an overly religious commitment to Sunday, but having rest and a day when we put our concerns aside and think only about the Lord is a source of great refreshment. So if we put our trust in the Lord there is great joy and triumph.
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