Transcript:

Hello, this is Pastor Don Willeman of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to a special-edition series of the Kingdom Perspective.

How should we respond to the coronavirus shelter-at-home order?

We should thank God for a providentially enforced Sabbath rest!

Biblically speaking, rest is a good thing. God instituted a Sabbath in the very created order. He commanded the children of Israel to “Remember the Sabbath, and keep it holy”. In other words, the nation of Israel was to cease from their labors, one day in seven, and reflect upon the fact that God provides for his people even when they are helpless. Indeed, it was in their helplessness that He delivered them from the 24/7 slavery in the land of Egypt.

You see, God is not like the pagan deities or rulers, that demand round the clock toil. Human beings do not exist for subservience to anyone. Even God himself shared his rule with human beings when he gave them dominion over the creation. Indeed, even our destiny in the kingdom of Heaven is spoken of a sabbath rest where we will reign with King Jesus.

Now, good Christians can debate about the proper application of the Sabbath command in the life of the church. However, what we cannot debate about is the heart of that command: God is a god who gives rest. And we cannot debate about the propriety of the command: we are mere creatures which God in his grace has made kings of His creation, and so we need rest and deserve it. Slaves have to work 24/7. Kings are free to enjoy the pleasure of their dominion.

Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective.