Counsel #18 — Animals and Sabbath Rest

Picture: Counsel #18 — Animals and Sabbath RestCCW 95.1

When God gave the Sabbath, it wasn’t just for humans. He actually commanded that animals rest too. Think about that: even donkeys, oxen, and other work animals were supposed to rest alongside their owners. God cares so much about His creation that He built compassion right into His law.^{[144]Exodus 20:10} The well-being of animals is not to be neglected on the Sabbath day; Taking care of God’s creatures is one way we reflect His heart.CCW 95.2

Here’s something wild: science shows that humans—and animals—actually have a built-in seven-day rhythm, called a circaseptan cycle. In other words, God hardwired His creation for rest every seventh day.^{[145] https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/the-secret-to-a-healthier-you-the-7-day-biological-clock} The animals obey God and do His bidding.^{[146]Genesis 7:8; Numbers 22:22-33; Job 12:7, 8} There are even some fascinating examples of wild and domestic animals, keeping the Sabbath by ceasing the work they typically do every other day of the week!^{[147] https://youtu.be/ADDYzdjGhSo} Creation itself testifies to God’s design.CCW 95.3

When we keep Sabbath with compassion, mercy, and rest—extending that same rest to all His creation—we honor God, and point others to the true heart of His law.CCW 95.4

“Then He answered them, saying, “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” Luke 14:5 NKJVCCW 95.5

“There are cases in which Christ has given permission to labor even on the Sabbath in saving the life of men or of animals. Ellen White in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 531CCW 95.6

Reflect: What does our role in caring for animals on the Sabbath tell us about the nature of God’s law?CCW 95.7