As Seventh-day Adventists, we hold the Sabbath dear to our hearts. But sometimes, in our zeal to honor this holy day, we risk turning it into a list of do's and don'ts rather than the blessing God intended. The story of Jesus healing the invalid man at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9) offers profound insights into how we should approach the Sabbath.
The Heart of Healing
Imagine the scene: a man, paralyzed for 38 years, lying beside a pool rumored to have healing powers. Jesus approaches him and asks a simple yet profound question: "Do you want to get well?" This question cuts to the heart of the Sabbath's purpose - restoration, healing, and reconnection with our Creator.
The man's response reveals a broken social system, where even on the Sabbath, no one would help him into the healing waters. Jesus' act of healing on this day demonstrates that the Sabbath is not about rigid adherence to rules, but about manifesting God's love and restoration.
Challenging Cultural Norms
By healing on the Sabbath, Jesus directly challenged the cultural and religious norms of His time. The immediate and complete nature of the healing showcased God's power over human-made traditions. As Adventists, we must ask ourselves: Are we sometimes so focused on the 'rules' of Sabbath-keeping that we miss opportunities to extend God's healing touch to others?
The Sabbath: A Day for Freedom
When Jesus commanded the healed man to pick up his mat and walk - on the Sabbath - He was making a powerful statement. The Sabbath is not meant to be a day of restriction, but a day of liberation. It's a day when we're freed from our usual burdens to focus on our relationship with God and our fellow human beings.
Redefining Authority
This miracle at Bethesda challenged the religious authorities' understanding of the Sabbath and divine intervention. Jesus demonstrated that He had the authority to interpret and fulfill the true meaning of the Sabbath. As Adventists, we should seek to understand and apply the principles behind the Sabbath rather than create an exhaustive list of permitted and prohibited activities.
A Public Declaration of Grace
The public nature of this healing in a well-known Jerusalem location spread the message that the Sabbath is about God's grace, not human effort. It's a weekly reminder that our salvation comes not from our own works, but from God's unmerited favor.
Embracing the Gift
As Seventh-day Adventists, we have a unique opportunity to showcase the beauty of the Sabbath to the world. Let's move beyond viewing it as a set of restrictions and instead embrace it as a weekly gift from God - a time for healing, restoration, community, and joy.
When we approach the Sabbath with this mindset, we align ourselves with Jesus' example. We create space for God to work miracles in our lives and the lives of those around us. We demonstrate that the Sabbath truly was made for us - not as a burden, but as a blessing.
Let's commit to making our Sabbath observance a testimony to God's love, grace, and restorative power. In doing so, we'll not only enrich our own spiritual lives but also offer a compelling witness to a world in desperate need of rest and healing.
About the Author
Dr. Bill Young is an elder at the Danville SDA church and a professor at Eastern Kentucky University. Having a long-term background in prehospital emergency medicine, he has seen the worst that this world has to offer. In doing so, he has found that turning to the scriptures is a very real refuge. He enjoys exploring the history and geography of Israel during the time that Jesus walked the land.
