John Stanko

"Some of the Pharisees said, 'This man
is not from God, for he does not keep the
Sabbath.' But others asked, 'How can a
sinner perform such signs?' So they were divided" - John 9:16.

If work was absolutely forbidden on the Sabbath, what was Jesus doing 'working' by performing miracles? The Pharisees were divided as to the interpretation of what Jesus was doing, because they had misinterpreted what Sabbath rest meant. Obviously Jesus knew best what the Sabbath meant, and He felt free to purpose His purpose of seeking and saving the lost on what the Jews considered their holy day. Paul followed Jesus' example and also did purpose work on the Sabbath day.

LEADERSHIP STEP: If Jesus and Paul did it, then you can do it too. What is the 'it'? It is working in your purpose to actually obtain rest and replenish energy and enthusiasm sapped by mundane weekly duties. What is your purpose? Is it to paint, draw, write, play sports or help the poor? Your assignment is to find rest day expression for your purpose today and every rest day from now on.