Counsel #9 — God Calls

Picture: Counsel #9 — God CallsCCW 86.1

God calls His people to 7^th-day Sabbath observance.^{[120]Exodus 20:8, 12, 20} The Sabbath is a sign forever that we choose a covenant relationship with God Himself!^{[121]Exodus 31:16, 17}CCW 86.2

The Sabbath is not merely a day of rest but a way to show we have answered God’s call on our lives and hearts. Honoring the Sabbath is a visible symbol of our commitment to His Law and our desire to align with His divine plan. By choosing to observe the Sabbath, we demonstrate our trust in God's promises and our willingness to prioritize His commandments over our own desires. The Sabbath is a tangible reminder of the spiritual and physical renewal that comes from trusting in God to provide our needs and our commitment to seek His guidance. It is a time to set aside our every-day concerns and allow God to refresh and restore us.^{[122]https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/2004/03/the-sabbath-gods-everlasting-covenant.html}CCW 86.3

“You shall keep My Sabbaths and reverence My sanctuary: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:30 NKJVCCW 86.4

“As the Sabbath was the sign that distinguished Israel when they came out of Egypt to enter the earthly Canaan, so it is the sign that now distinguishes God’s people as they come out from the world to enter the heavenly rest. The Sabbath is a sign of the relationship existing between God and His people, a sign that they honor His law. It distinguishes between His loyal subjects and transgressors.” Ellen White in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, pp. 349, 350CCW 86.5

Reflect: In what ways has God been teaching you about the significance of honoring His Sabbath?CCW 86.6