Encouraged Activities On Shabbat
A few weeks ago, when researching a question that had come up about the Sabbath, I clicked on Wikipedia's site regarding Shabbat. Typically I don't use Wikipedia as a source, but I did find one section of the Shabbat page interesting (click here to see page). The section is titled "Encouraged Activities". This is what it said:
All Jewish denominations encourage the following activities on Shabbat:
- Reading, studying, and discussing Torah and commentary, Mishnah and Talmud, and learning some halakha and midrash.
- Synagogue attendance for prayers.
- Spending time with other Jews and socializing with family, friends, and guests at Shabbat meals (hachnasat orchim, "hospitality").
- Singing zemiroth or niggunim, special songs for Shabbat meals (commonly sung during or after a meal).
- Marital relations between husband and wife.[37]
- Sleeping.
After reading the list and revising it for a Christian, I thought it sounded like a great way to spend Sabbath. Reading the Bible, going to church, praying, spending time with friends and family, eating food, singing, having sex with one's spouse, and sleeping are quality options that make for a day of blessing. Other possible activities I would add are enjoying nature, helping others in need, and sharing your testimony and praying for others that you may encounter throughout the day.
Just think, if people dedicated one day and honored that day as God declared in Gen 2:3, and did the activities that are encouraged, would the divorce rate go down? Would families be less stressed out and happier? Would people feel more rested and less sick? Would people feel less lonely and depressed? I think the answer is a resounding Yes!
Of course, since we live in a sinful world, this ideal is not always realized. But I think God set this day aside so that we could be blessed in our bodies, in our minds, and in our spirits. What is your favorite Sabbath activity? Click here and let me know.
As you celebrate the Sabbath, may you experience all the peace, happiness, joy, and rest that God intended, so that you can be blessed and be a blessing to others In Jesus Name!
