Getting beat up over a commandment?

In those days I saw in Judah people treading wine presses on the Sabbath, and bringing in heaps of grain and leading them on donkeys; and also wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them..."If you do so again, I will lay hands on you." (Nehemiah 13:15,21 NRSV)

We are familiar with the 10 Commandments, one of which tells us to Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy (Exodus 20:8).

But here we see someone struggling with the application of that law. Nehemiah, a civil leader, is attempting to repopulate the city of Jerusalem, and at the same time, develop a culture that honors God and God's law. And the people aren't obeying. Nehemiah seeks to help them do so.

We may wonder if "laying hands on" people is the right way to carry this out. It probably would not be how we would apply this standard in our day and time.

BUT, there is no doubt Nehemiah takes God's command seriously. 1 day out of 7, set apart for God, in a way that is unique to the other days.

I wonder...

How seriously do you and I take this commandment?

What does Sabbath look like in our lives?

May God help us to be as serious as Nehemiah in our attempts to please Him.

(See Wesley study bible notes)

Grace & peace