As the Sabbath begins, it also begins another of the great observances in God’s plan of salvation, the Day of Atonement.
Each Sabbath is to be time in which we stop to consider that God gives us time to rest from our labors and to reflect upon our God and His plan. Each Sabbath we are reminded that we have entered into covenant with God and there is more to life than simply living “under the sun” as Solomon brought out in Ecclesiastes 1.
This particular Sabbath is unique in that the Day of Atonement gives the time of refreshing added meaning.
Is there a being that undermines our lives more than the adversary, Satan? He intrudes in our lives with his attitudes and influences which tempt us to sin, and we see sin around us most every day.
But in being called out of this present evil world we have a unique perspective. I think that perspective is reflected in 1 John 5:19, “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”
We know we are of God even in the midst of a wicked world. How is that? The Sabbath is a key reminder of our Creator who has given us rest and a great purpose for living. God has led us to repentance and our sins have been blotted out. Christ has entered our lives through the Holy Spirit and is preparing us for “the times of restoration of all things” (Acts 3:19-21).
We know something wonderful is going on in our lives, but we also know that Satan is still hard at work in this world.
The good news for us and the world is this. Through our ongoing relationship with God, we can overcome Satan, enjoy the refreshment of having God in our lives, and we can know that a time of refreshing is coming for all mankind as Satan and the demons no longer hold sway over this world.
Enjoy this Sabbath, this Day of Atonement and the rich meaning for us.
Gary Smith
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