First Century Judaism debated the definition of work as they considered how best to obey the fourth Commandment. Just as in Christianity there can be a diversity of opinion, Judaism was not of one mind on the definition of work. Jesus took a purposive interpretative stance. The Sabbath was given to refresh the believer.
With the undermining of a designated day of rest across western society, family life has been impinged and the days where whole families would head out for a day trip or to the family beach house, is much less common.
The Sabbath is also a day where the demands of this world, as well as the need to accumulate assets is put aside, and time stops -- for one day.
On this day, the sovereignty of God over all things is acknowledged as we rest, reflect on God and enjoy our families. God promises that we may gather double on the sixth day to cover our requirements for the seventh day.
Thus it is a day to celebrate shalom, a sense of peace and completeness. I'm mindful that one Jewish theologian, A J Heschel wouldn't allow arguments in his household.
With free markets, deregulation, recessions, and natural disasters, which may bring hardship to many, commitment to a Sabbath is tested. Yet God does not shy away from bringing us to a dilemma of faith, a precipice where we must choose between a leap of faith that goes beyond our sight to connect with the eternal. This is Grace.
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