On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”
I once heard this idea communicated about a Christian being involved in Civil Disobedience: Never obey the civil authorities when it contradicts what spiritual authority instructs you to do. Jesus echos that sentiment when he shocks the religious poobahs of his day by saying that he himself is an authority greater than the Law of Moses. Peter and John take it a step further in Acts when they tell these same leaders that they must obey God and not men.
In Mark's gospel Jesus explains this further telling the religious elders: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” This is an important concept to grasp. When God spoke to Moses about the Sabbath rest he was not giving them an onerous law but one that would help and free them. It is a good way to measure other laws. If something gives you the freedom to fully follow God it is good. Anything else is simply unhelpful and may be harmful.
Thank you Lord that you have placed discernment in my heart. Help me to listen.
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