09/07/2026
“Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8
There is currently a growing Shabbat controversy surrounding Café Basimta, a Messianic Jewish café in the heart of Jerusalem. Protesters from the nearby Ultra-Orthodox community have repeatedly gathered outside the café over its decision to remain open on Shabbat, while secular Israelis have staged counter-protests in support.
Sabbath is so sacred, it is seen as an identifier of God’s people. And then Jesus comes and shakes things up by doing work-related things on the Sabbath.
Where is our respect for people who don’t rest? Where is our respect for people who do? Perhaps the real learning is like any parable: it is in the part where the most discomfort lies. If you find Sabbath on Sunday, how are you honoring God and fully participating that way? If you find Sabbath on another day and time, how are you devoting yourself to that? Take the time of rest to fully live into what God’s rest has in store for you.