Matt, the day of rest is known as the Sabbath, in Hebrew Sabbath means to cease, stop or rest. The Sabbath is first found in the book of Genesis, God made all things in six days and rested on the seventh (Genesis 2:1-2), therefore He set the precedent. The command to rest was then put into the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). For the Jews the Sabbath would have been from Friday sundown till Saturday sundown.

Christians usually have their Sabbath on the Sunday because Jesus rose from the grave on Easter Sunday (Mark 16:1-6, Hebrews 10:25). The bottom line is that you have to have one day of rest for your own good (Deuteronomy 5:12-15). Jesus taught that the Sabbath was made for man, therefore it is in our own interests to be able to rest and enjoy life. Our day of rest can be on any day (Colossians 2:16-17) and you have to be happy with your choice (Romans 14:4-5, 23, 1 Corinthians 2:10).

We are not to get legalistic and judge others for what they do or do not do (Mark 2:23-28). It is interesting to note, that if we lived in Sydney, Australia and attended church at 10.30am on Sunday, in London, England (GMT) it would be 11.30pm, Saturday night! Pastors and Vicars work every Sunday (busiest day of the week!); they should have their day of rest on another day of their choice.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God said, “It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:12). The Sabbath can be any day of the week but you must honour God in all of your rest, fun and worship. Works of mercy, necessity and emergency are permitted. Plan to have at least one day of rest a week (Exodus 34:21), so that you can rest your body, emotions and be renewed spiritually.