Heed the Sabbath

If you heed Me carefully, says the Lord, to bring no burden through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, but allow no work in it, then sahll enter the gates of this city kings and princes sitting on the throne of David, riding chariots and horses... Jeremiah 17:24-25

Blessings are abundant for those who keep the Sabbath. Does this mean you shouldn't lift a finger on the Sabbath? I don't think so, but it does indicate that we should rest on the Sabbath, refreshing ourselves. Then God blesses those who heed Him carefully.

But if you will not heed Me to hallow the Sabbath day, such as not carrying a burden when entering the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle a fire in its gates of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched. Jeremiah 17:27

Curses are reserved for those who do not hallow the Sabbath.

I believe both of these verses contain principles for us today. Yes, I know we live in the New Covenant. But, I think God deserves one day a week reserved for Him. Our nation has wandered far from God and one evidence is the lack of worship on Sundays. My guess is over half the Americans do not attend worship services. You can see this well at stores on Sunday mornings. I also believe that God is kindling a fire against America. We have left our Christian roots. Even though individuals follow Christ in American, our nation as a whole is no longer Christian. We are barely reaping the results of the Christian foundation.

Unfortunately, this verse characterizes America today. Not the legalistic view of keeping the Sabbath, but the principle of setting aside a day to worship our God & Savior...taking one day off work to honor Him.

My prayer is that our nation will return to its roots. God is omnipotent so this is possible for Him to do.

Kerry