What the Bible says about Sabbath Activity
(From Forerunner Commentary)
This is a Psalm that the commentators call a "Sabbath Psalm." It is indicating an activity that is taking place on the Sabbath. That is when people gather before God, shout joyfully, and come before His presence with thanksgiving. Of course, anybody can do that in prayer as well, but this is a Sabbath Psalm. That is its broad application.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Fourth Commandment (Part 4)Related Topics: Activity on the Sabbath | Sabbath Activity | Sabbath Psalm | Shouting | Shouting as Expression of Joy
Mark 3:3-5 reinforces Jesus' attitude toward Sabbath activity. By Jesus' example, His reaction (anger, verse 5), and His words, God very clearly not only intends us to do good on the Sabbath, but also to fail to do good when the opportunity arises implies evil and killing!
Jesus does not appear to have gone out of His way to find people to heal on the Sabbath, but these were incidental occurrences as He went along His way. If a sick person came to His attention, He healed him. But someone unconcerned for the physical and spiritual salvation of others on the Sabbath is automatically involved to some degree in destructive efforts and attitudes, for failing to do good when we have opportunity is sin (Proverbs 3:27-28; James 4:17). God is preparing us to assist in the salvation of others, and it behooves us to begin thinking along these lines.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Fourth Commandment (Part Two): Christ's Attitude Toward the SabbathRelated Topics: Doing Good | God's Work | Healing | Jesus Christ's Example | Mercy as Larger Obligation | Sabbath | Sabbath Activity | Sabbath, Liberating Intent of | Salvation | Sin | Works