“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. . .. Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” (Colossians 2:6-10, 16-17)

All of us as kids had fun when we saw our shadow. Whether it was trying to keep others from stepping on our shadow, seeing what images we could make with our hands, or even when alone we would pretend our shadow was our friend. All these representations of ourselves were images of ourselves cast upon us by sunlight. It is with this idea that Paul used to show us the fulfilment of all the Old Testament in Jesus Christ. Here he talks about the laws regarding what was to be eaten, their festivals, their celebrations, and even the Sabbath. While we could look at all of these, let us today see how the shadow of the Sabbath is found in Jesus Christ.

Both creation and the redemption from slavery are stated as reasons to observe the Sabbath Day. “For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day.” (Exodus 20:11) “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.” (Deuteronomy 5:15) Yet, both are shadows, images of the reality of Jesus Christ. In Creation and Redemption, the commandment to keep the Sabbath Day holy was to help the people stay focused on God by rest and reflection. So, Jesus lets us know where we find real rest and life-changing reflection. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

In the midst of our weariness and the burdens of life, Jesus is where we find real rest. He tells us to reflect on Him and learn how to live this life. Jesus as our teacher and consoler is both gentle and humble. Therefore, as we learn from Him, we find the lifting of our souls in the midst of life. Peter, who had his ups and downs as a follower of Jesus, would tell us in regard to God’s care for us, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7) During every day Christ is there for us to cast upon Him our anxiety and He will provide us rest.

Jesus is our rest and reflection. He is also our Creator and our Redeemer. Paul reminds us, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16-17) It is in Jesus Christ that all creation came to be. Paul also reminds us, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14) It is in Jesus Christ that we have redemption. Every day we live in our Sabbath as we live in Christ. We come to Him as our Creator and Redeemer in worship where we now rest in him and reflect upon God’s work in our lives and the work He has called us to do.

When you come to next weekend, remember to reflect upon God and His goodness as you enjoy your Saturday. Then, spend time in Worship with your brothers and sisters in Christ as you rejoice in the forgiveness and new life that comes because of the resurrection on Sunday. The rest of the week realize that you live in the Sabbath, where we find rest in Jesus Christ and we reflect upon God’s workmanship in us and our witness to the world.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block