The Creator rested, blessed and sanctified the seventh day - Saturday. Who can change it, how, and why?
The Sabbath (Hebrew: Shabbat) begins on (Friday) the sixth (6th) day at sunset and ends on (Saturday) the seventh (7th) day at sunset. A day begins at sunset in Scripture. Although, the Sadducee observed the twenty-four hour period from sunrise to sunrise.
The only instance of “sabbath” worship on the first day of the week was to occur on the morrow after the sabbath for the observance of Shavuot or the Feast of Weeks (Greek: Pentecost) or another annual sacred day if it fell upon it. Scriptures referencing the first day of the week never mention actual worship or keeping it as a set-apart or sacred time for worship. The only commanded weekly assembly referred to is on the seventh day. Nowhere do we find a replacement day.
A meeting that consisted of or included the breaking of bread or to have a meal were normal gatherings or “meetings” to discuss business that otherwise were NOT permitted on the Sabbath. Such an event would never be convened on the weekly sabbath nor a high holy day. If we were to read of a meeting or a breaking of bread on the third day of the week… does that make it the new Sabbath day too?
QUESTIONS
Which day did Yeshua and everyone in Scripture observe and assemble for worship and sacred time? The seventh day. On Shabbat.
Did Yeshua ever worship on any day different than what His normal Jewish custom was? No
Wouldn’t it have been an important revelation and a great time for YHVH, Himself to do away with it and/or change it to a different day? Yes! Yet, we find no changing of the law on the day to observe the Sabbath. (He changes not!)
Why would Yeshua change His Father’s commands even if he had the capacity and authority to do so? He would not! The law is holy, just, and good!
All Biblical scriptures confirm that Yeshua agreed and kept the law including the Sabbath. He did expound or give his take on interpretation of what was lawful on the Sabbath-- to not break it but do good. Our Almighty YHVH would never do away with His own long standing laws.
The old and new testaments are in harmony that: prior to Yeshua, during his life, and after his death, the Sabbath is continually observed on the seventh day of the week following the preparation day.
The Old and New Testaments should not conflict. Yet, in multiple places we do find that the interpretation was different as it is today. The New Testament should magnify and be in complete agreement with the Old, and thereby give addition depth in meaning to what was stated centuries and millennia prior. We must worship in Ruach (spirit) and truth. It was not an issue or a question at the time which day was Shabbat. The disciples and all of Yeshua’s followers kept Shabbat!
The Pharisees of the day went overboard (or it is portrayed as such) with the keeping of Shabbat and judged others in not keeping it as “righteously” as they did. Yeshua said it is lawful to do good (Matt 12:12) and to heal or provide help and assistance on Shabbat.
Helping someone on the sabbath was always allowed in Pharisee oral law and tradition. This is a conflict. He raised the issue according to the story, and set precedence that it would not defame the sabbath. If the sabbath were not an issue, he could have ignored it or said so. He did not. Shabbat should not include judging others in doing good in observing it. It was never a question whether or not to keep it- they knew to observe it. Most every sect of the day believed it was lawful to rescue an “ox in the ditch” even on Shabbat, but they questioned Yeshua. You see where their hearts were by their actions in the scriptures.
Judging how others keep Shabbat and other high days was a major topic of the day. We find this in Colossians 2:16. “Let no one judge you in food or in drink, regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths.” (NKJ) Doesn’t this verse fit so neatly with what we just read prior?! This scripture doesn’t do away with the Sabbath, it is discussing the same issue, judging one another and/or outsiders -separate of the “Body of believers”- judging the faithful who are observing the required days and may help others or do things that the stricter sects saw as sin. Using this scripture as a means to do away the observance of the festivals, high days, Shabbat, eat and drink-vegetarianism, etc. is clearly not what is intended. :17 “These are a shadow of what is to come…” (ISR) Scripture is applicable to past generations and today.
Earlier in verse eight (8) of Colossians 2 the context of the scriptures is stated along with the real subject of the chapter. It is discussing issues that arise in the assembly of called out ones whose beliefs are affected and influenced by false teachings outside the assembly- the world. “They are being cheated through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and NOT according to [YHVH].” This leads up to verse 13 the original quote- where they should not let outsiders judge them for their beliefs.
Verse 14 is also used to say by some to say that the Sabbath command was “nailed to the cross.” This would have to be referring to the stone written ten commandments since it is clearly the fourth command. Can one pick out a command and say it is no longer in effect, but the others are? No. What would it mean to nail this command or others to the cross? Read all of chapter 2 from the start, you have to insert or twist to throw in the “law” itself as being nailed to the (cross) stake.
Verse 22 is discussing the commands and teachings of man and is a reference to Isa. 29:13 which reads, “…Inasmuch as the people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men.” The commands of YHVH are still here, in effect, and relevant, it’s the commands or traditions of men that are the problem. “And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”(Matt. 15:9)
More in depth study on this important subject of observing the Sabbath or Shabbat is available and more is to come. But, remember to prove all things for yourself and hold on to what is right and good. Go to a concordance and read the verses about the preparation day or sixth day and the first day of the week- the morrow after Shabbat. Feel free to submit any questions.