575. JOH 19:21. THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH

Joh_19:21. The Blessedness of the Christian Sabbath

"The Jews, therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath-day (for that Sabbath-day was an high day), besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away."’97Joh_19:21.

It is impossible to reflect on the mixture of superstition and wickedness which distinguished the Jews, in their conduct towards Jesus, without the utmost astonishment and wonder. They adopt the most base methods of conspiracy to ruin him. They bribe one of his disciples to betray him. They suborn false witnesses to swear away his life. They raise a tumultuous clamor for his blood. They prefer Barabbas, a murderer, to Jesus. They reproach him on the way to the cross. They revile him in the midst of his dying agonies; and then, under the influence of superstitious veneration for the rites of Judaism’97they go earnestly entreating Pilate, that the death of those who had been crucified should be accelerated by breaking their legs, lest the bodies should remain suspended on the Sabbath, which was, in the parenthetical language of the text, "A high day." What hypocrisy! What infatuated self delusion! What a picture of the deceitfulness and depravity of the human heart! But we select the text, that we may apply it to the Christian Sabbath, and the devout feelings we should have towards it. The Sabbath in question was especially great to the Jews, because it was the first day of the Paschal feast, and especial ordinances were connected with it. Let us inquire,

I. When the Christian Sabbath, or Lord’s day, may be considered a high day.

1. It is so in itself. It is the day of the Lord’s victory and triumph. The day made especially for himself. The day of hope and assurance to our fallen world. All the great and momentous concerns involved in the reality of Christ’s Messiahship, &c., are identified with this day. With this, in one sense, began a new era in our world’s history.

2. It is so in the privileges it confers. Much more than a day of rest from physical toil and secular labor. Day of especial mercies. The more public worship of God. The exercises of prayer and praise. The hearing of the glorious gospel. Fellowship with the saints, etc. Private reading and meditation, etc.

3. But it is so as being associated with many of our greatest blessings. In most cases it was on this day that serious reflection commenced. Solemn conviction. Holy resolution. Believing decision. Open profession. Most of our refreshing seasons, and edifying opportunities, etc.

4. It is so as a beautiful type of heaven. The apostle Paul speaks of three Sabbaths.

(1.) The original one, on which God rested.

(2.) The spiritual Sabbath, which we experience by faith on Christ. "We who have believed do enter into rest."

(3.) The heavenly one. There remaineth, therefore, a rest, or keeping of the Sabbath, etc. The cessation of toil, and din, and confusion, and anxiety. Its spiritual services. Its holy joys. Its sanctity, communion, etc., all point upward to heaven.

11. How we may contribute to the rendering it in an especial degree a high day. By being in the spirit, etc. God has done much, but we may frustrate that. How many myriads do so. How often have we done so? If we would have it a high day, then,

1. Conclude as early as possible on the previous evening the duties of the week. I know this is impracticable with many, but not with all. A late Saturday evening of bustle and confusion is very unfavorable. Retiring to bed later than usual, etc. Many, too, who profess religion, have to go to the tavern for their wages. The noise, and company, and filthiness of a tavern are a bad preparation for the Lord’s day. If intoxicating drink be indulged in, there must be all the heaviness and stupor, which must unfit for the exercises of religion.

2. A conscientious devotion of the Lord’s day to spiritual things. Family should be still and orderly. There should be the exclusion of worldly topics of conversation. The putting away mere secular books, etc. The Bible and the book of praise should be the literary companions. There should be no idle gossiping. No wandering about. No feasting or parties. There should be the preparation for public worship. To be there in time. Not disturbing the minister and congregation, etc. The day should end in holy peace and tranquillity.

3. Especial prayer for the Divine presence and blessing. How anxious to have right emotions and desires. "O God, ray heart," etc. To have right desires. To be in the spirit of prayer, praise, hearing, and meditation. Works of mercy and usefulness. Now all these must be sought of God. Earnest and believing prayer be offered, so that we may mount up as on eagles’ wings, etc. Now, consider,

III. Some reasons which should make us solicitous that the Sabbath should be a high day.

1. On account of the value of the Sabbath itself. How essential it is. How truly precious. What should We do without it. What the church do. What be done for the world, &c. One of God’s greatest mercies. Cannot be too highly prized.

2. The Sabbath materially will influence the following week. It supplies spiritual food for the mind. It supplies topics for thought. It presents motives, &c. It gives power, &c. How necessary, then, that it should be a high day. The week will generally be as the Sabbath was.

3. Our Sabbaths are limited in number. There are not many in a long life, and of course few in a short one. They will soon be gone. I remember those I spent in the sanctuary with my sainted father, and with my dear Christian friends’97the last will soon come.

4. For our Sablaths we must give an account. Desecration of the Sabbath is guilt and folly. Now the non-improvement of them will make bitter work for reflection. God will require an exact account, &c., in the great day.

Application

1. To the non-religious. Oh, value this day of mercy. Do not despise it. "Hear, and your souls shall live," &c.

2. To Christian professors. Be consistent. If it be the Lord’s day, let him have its undivided hours, services, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS