Counsel #5 — Donkeys In Ditches

Picture: Counsel #5 — Donkeys In DitchesCCL 52.1

If everyone is commanded to rest on the Sabbath, what should believers do in case of emergencies? It would be scary if all medical care, police activity, or fire department responses were paused every Sabbath.^{[80]https://www.pastortedwilson.org/can-a-doctor-or-nurse-work-on-sabbath/} The Sabbath was created in a perfect world, but the world is now broken and filled with suffering and pain. Jesus understood that the law doesn’t override the need to deal with emergencies or relieve suffering. He taught that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. In other words, doing good deeds on the Sabbath upholds and affirms it because these actions accurately reflect God’s character.CCL 52.2

“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 14:5CCL 52.3

“Jesus would teach his disciples and his enemies that the service of God was first of all; and, if fatigue and hunger attended the work, it was right to satisfy the wants of humanity, even upon the Sabbath day. That holy institution was not given to interfere with the needs of our being, bringing pain and discomfort, instead of blessing. ‘The Sabbath was made for man,’ to give him rest and peace, and remind him of the work of his Creator, not to be a grievous burden.” Ellen White in The Signs of the Times, November 30, 1876, par. 13CCL 52.4

Reflect: How can you do good and relieve suffering on the Sabbath?CCL 52.5