Dear Family,

Today is Monday, May 23, 2022, Day 2 of Week 6. This is the 37th Day in our Count to Pentecost.

One of the leaders among the tribes of Israel mentioned in the accounts of the Exodus and Conquest of the Promised Land was the man Caleb (Numbers 13:6). He was of the tribe of Judah, and generally referred to as the son of Jephunneh. He is one of the twelve men (one from each tribe) that Moses chose to spy out the land.

One of Caleb’s most outstanding characteristics was his positive attitude toward the challenges of conquering the land. While ten of the spies admitted the land was flowing with milk and honey, their report discouraged the people. It was filled with their fear of the giants and lack of hope/faith/trust in taking the land.

Numbers 13:32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying; The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.

In the face of these negative claims, Caleb asserted steady confidence and “stilled” the people standing before Moses, saying, “We are well able to possess it.”

Numbers 13:30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said; Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

God sentenced the ten spies who brought the evil report to death at some point in the wilderness journey, but Joshua and Caleb were kept alive because of faithfulness and courage. The evil report provided opportunity for the rebellious Israelites to murmur, complain, and wildly threaten to make themselves a new leader who would take them back to Egypt (Numbers 14:1-4). They even threatened to stone the faithful leaders (Numbers 14:10).

Numbers 14:6-9 (6) And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: (7) And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying; The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. (8) If the Lord delight in us, then He will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. (9) Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.

Caleb, and Joshua, recognized the rebellion for what it was. And, they passionately appealed to the Israelites to realize “the Lord is with us: fear them not.” For this faithfulness, God assured Caleb he would reach the Promised Land. Notice God tells us that the differences between Caleb and the faithless spies were “another spirit with him” and following God “fully.”

Numbers 14:24 But My servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed Me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.
Joshua 14 and 15 recount the story of how Caleb received Hebron, which was the area of the giants (Anak, Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, see Joshua 15:14). Even at age 85, Caleb was ready to tackle the giants and drive them out.

Joshua 14:10-13 (10) And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old. (11) As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. (12) Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said. (13) And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.

Caleb knew the Source of His strength. He certainly was of a different spirit than those who were fearful, timid, or faithless.

Brethren, once God gives us the faith to truly trust Him as the Wise and Generous Source for everything good, we need to follow Caleb’s example of patience, perseverance, and courage, and put all of our efforts into cooperating with His way of doing things, no matter how long it takes, even if it’s 40 years or more, and even if a majority does not agree with our beliefs.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Sunday, May 22, 2022, Day 1 of Week 6. This is the 36th Day in our Count to Pentecost.

Is God our Jehovah-Nissi? Is He, our BANNER? Do we lift up His name in our private prayers and public discussions in a declaration that we trust Him and His plans for our lives, that we depend upon Him, and that He is the Source of our Strength and Protection?

It is out of the abundance of the heart that our mouths speak! (Matthew 12:34, Luke 6:45)

When things are going well, it is easy for many of us to become self-confident, or even self-willed and wayward/headstrong. It is easy for us to choose our ways over God’s ways; sometimes without even giving our choices a second thought.

When our BANNER is consistently lifted high in our lives, it is easier for us to see it, as well as for others to see it (friend or foe), and it is easier to remain aware of what it means to be under God as our BANNER.

Realizing God HAS to be our BANNER can help us submit all of our thoughts, our words, and our ways to Him.

Proverbs 3:5-7 (5) Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. (7) Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Sabbath, May 21, 2022, Day 7 of Week 5. This is the 35th Day in our Count to Pentecost.

In Exodus 17 we begin to read about the man named Joshua. Who was he? Why did God choose him to succeed Moses? The first time we see Joshua mentioned in the Holy Bible, we find him preparing a group of men that he would command to go out and fight with Amalek.

We learn more about Joshua from later scriptural accounts. He served as Moses’ minister or servant (Exodus 33:11, Numbers 11:28), and in Exodus 33:11 Joshua was called one of Moses’ “young men.” Joshua was close by when Moses went up into the mount of God.

Exodus 24:12-13 (12) And the Lord said unto Moses; Come up to Me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them. (13) And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.

From the book of Numbers, we learn that Joshua was also called Oshea, and that he was of the tribe of Ephraim. Apparently, Moses altered the young man’s name slightly by adding a syllable about the time when the 12 spies first went into the land from the area of Kadesh Barnea.

Numbers 13:8,16 (8) Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun. (16) These are the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.

The Bible shows that Joshua appeared to be very protective towards Moses’ authority. And, Joshua was one of the two faithful and true witnesses (spies) regarding the Promised Land. He refused to join the rebels, and tore his clothes at the false reports of the other ten spies.

Numbers 11:27-29 (27) And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said; Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. (28) And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said; My lord Moses, forbid them. (29) And Moses said unto him; Enviest thou for my sake? Would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put His spirit upon them!

Numbers 14:6 And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

In the 40-year wilderness journey, Joshua proved himself over and over to be faithful. This is a vital characteristic God wants in the leaders of His people. So, Moses laid his hand on Joshua as God commanded. The Bible describes Joshua as “a man in whom is the spirit” (Numbers 27:18) and one who “wholly followed the LORD” (Numbers 32:11-13).

God chose Joshua and set him before the people, promising that Joshua would be the one that would cause Israel to inherit the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy 3:28 But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.
And, it was shortly after the death of Moses that God began to speak to Joshua and direct him in the conquest of the land. God promised He would be with Joshua, and charged him to be strong and courageous.

Joshua 1:1(A) Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister…

Deuteronomy 31:23 And He gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said; Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.

And, God did exactly what He had promised. He always does. The example of Joshua is one very good witness of God’s faithfulness and power to complete what He starts.

And, now it becomes clearer why God chose Joshua to succeed Moses. God knew that He could develop those leadership qualities that were going to be required to lead Israel into their inheritance. In Joshua, God was able to develop loyalty, faithfulness, courage, a strength of resolve, a servant attitude, a positive outlook, and complete commitment to God.

Because we are God’s leaders, now and in the future, He is working to develop specific characteristics in us as we submit and cooperate with Him. What an awesome God!

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Friday, May 20, 2022, Day 6 of Week 5. This is the 34th Day in our Count to Pentecost.

Exodus 17:9 And Moses said unto Joshua; Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

The battle with Amalek waged all day and required divine assistance. As Moses lifted up his rod. Israel prevailed, but when Moses grew tired and lowered his rod, Amalek prevailed, even though the same warriors were battling the same foe all day. However, there was no doubt about who would win the battle and “discomfit” Amalek. God never intended that Israel should lose this significant battle.

Exodus 17:13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

There are a number of useful parallels that can be drawn between the physical battle with Amalek and the spiritual battles we face as true Believers.

For example, Joshua, whose name means YHVH’s Salvation, is a type of our Savior Jesus Christ.

The Israelite warriors were chosen; they were not volunteers. The battle took the entire day with no periods of inactivity or rest from the battle. The outcome of the battle was never in doubt, but the warriors still had to fight. There was no place for defeat or retreat. The “edge of the sword” is parallel to our using God’s Word, the truth that sets us free. Moses’ raising of his rod is a symbol of reaching up to God for His required intervention for victory. When we are not reaching up to God for divine intervention, the enemy can temporarily prevail. When we look to God and depend on Him, it is clear that we will win, yet, the battle rages until the end of day (we must overcome to the end). And, when we grow weary, we need others who will help us continue to reach up to God until the final victory. Then, when the battle is over, we are to raise up the standard, the banner – like a flag, that serves as a sign to all that we are under the authority of the Sovereign, Almighty God! And He gets the glory!

Brethren, let us proceed to fight the good fight of faith that God has laid before us, constantly reaching up to God, trusting Him, and raising up a Banner that lets everyone know we belong to God, and that we are giving God all the glory for the strength and the victories He provides. The battle belongs to the LORD!

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Thursday, May 19, 2022, Day 5 of Week 5. This is the 33rd Day in our Count to Pentecost.

Exodus 17:7 And he called the name of the place Massah [testing], and Meribah [quarreling], because of the chiding [scolding, rebuking] of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying; Is the Lord among us, or not?

Ancient Israel “tempted” God. What were they thinking? The cloud and the pillar of fire had not disappeared. What kind of evidence of God’s presence did they need? Did Israel really expect God’s purpose in using Moses was to do them evil in any way? Why didn’t Israel expect “good” from God and His servant? Had they not been convinced by God’s deliverance and recent generosity?

Why did they not go before God, asking for what they needed, and then EXPECT God to provide the good things?

From the perspective of the New Testament Scriptures, we can determine that the Israelites were walking according to the flesh. Israel was NOT going to EXPECT good from God, nor submit to His authority/commandments, nor validate His righteous motives, because the carnal mind cannot do those things.

Romans 8:5-8 (5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. (6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (8) So, then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

People who are walking in the flesh, and who continue to mind fleshly things, CANNOT please God!

God’s GOODNESS is designed to bring people to repentance; yet, some people choose to “despise” God’s goodness and patience. And, they may be unaware that they are doing it because of self deceit…their foolish heart is darkened. No matter how GOOD God is to them, some people continue to be unwilling to see God as the truly GOOD GIVER and SAVIOR that God is. And, once we see that God is the Giver of good (and only good) gifts (James 1:17), we need to acknowledge Him as He is. We need to glorify Him. It’s a matter of worshipping the True God, instead of some false image, i.e., some perverted view of Who God really is.

Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

We all need to really know, and KNOW THAT WE KNOW the True God and His divine nature, and be rid of any misconceptions we may still be holding about Who and What is God.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Wednesday, May 18, 2022, Day 4 of Week 5. This is the 32nd Day in our Count to Pentecost.

The conditions of their Egyptian slavery caused Israel to cry out to the God of their forefathers. Israel had been freed from their slave masters for about a month when God allowed the Amalekites to attack Israel in the wilderness. It seems that the Amalekites were not concerned with any economic exploitation of Israel, nor any of the value that could accrue if they overtook some of the Israelites and made them slaves again. Instead, the character of these people was hardened against the helpless and the weak. History records they were vicious in their attacks.

Why did Amalek attack? What were the motives? Revenge, riches, fear, power? Or, perhaps it was sheer hatred? Perhaps, it was an approach condemned by Jesus in the New Testament. Jesus’ condemnation involved treating people as if they did not matter, as if they were worthless, useless creatures.

Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you; That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say; Thou fool [worthless one], shall be in danger of hell fire.

The devil uses many ways to take away the God ordained dignity of our humanity. We are all made in the image of God, and we are all of great value to Him (Matthew 10:31, Luke 12:7).

Why is God so against the actions of Amalek? There will never be peace between Amalek and Israel! and, one important reason is God’s command to wipe them out completely because of their motives and behaviors. Not only does the Amalekite approach dehumanize the victims, it also dehumanizes the perpetrators.

In contrast, God requires that we love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us beware of the Amalekite approach which can begin in anyone who treats other humans disrespectfully. That’s a very small seed of the true enemy! Yet, it is still a seed! Have no part of it!

According to the book of Deuteronomy (25:3), judges could only sentence 40 stripes or less as punishment to a guilty person, and the judge had to witness the execution of the sentence. This requirement was aimed at retaining the guilty person’s worth as a human being. Secular history records how INHUMANE people have become themselves as they inflicted the vilest of torments on others (Haman, Genghis Khan, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Jeffrey Dahmer, and others)

And, in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 6:10, we find that “revilers, “i.e., those who have chosen to verbally abuse others and count them as lowly and worthless) cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.

God’s Word shows He will never tolerate this level of hatred and hateful treatment of others. Rather, God insists that we love others as ourselves. Let us be VERY careful to keep all seeds of the Amalekite approach away from ourselves.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Tuesday, May 17, 2022, Day 3 of Week 5. This is the 31st Day in our Count to Pentecost.

The Amalekites (descendants of Esau – Exodus 36:12) had surely heard how God destroyed the Egyptians and delivered Israel, but there was NO fear of God before their eyes, so they attacked the rearmost group of Israel anyway. The Amalekites didn’t even flinch at the obvious presence of God (cloud and fire) leading Israel. Their tactics included using clever and devious tricks, like attacking from the rear, waiting until God sent their physical leader (Moses) on a vital mission ahead of the main group. Then they attacked the weak and elderly who were moving along at their own lower pace. The Bible shows that the aims of the Amalekites were to trap, frighten, discourage, disrupt, destroy, or even annihilate (Book of Esther).

It is clear from Scripture that God wants the Amalekites and their methods completely destroyed. Exodus 17:14(b) for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. Numbers 24:20(b) …but his latter end shall be that he perishes forever.

Deuteronomy 25:17,19(B) (17) Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt. (19)(B) … thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.

It is not clear if any of Amalek’s descendants are alive today. However, the spirit of Amalek is still in existence. And, God will ultimately be the One Who will battle and destroy Amalek completely.

Meantime, true Believers must do battle, at least periodically and while we are in the flesh.

Are we able to recognize the enemy before he is upon us? Do we understand his tactics? Are we prepared to do battle if God allows us to be attacked? True believers need to know that they know the answer to these important questions about spiritual warfare.

Eventually, our battles against wicked spiritual forces, including the Amalekite type of enemies, will end. This will happen when believers cease giving into wickedness, when they have overcome temptations, have learned to recognize evil in its various forms, learned to use God’s Word (the sword of the Spirit) to do spiritual battle, determined and committed ourselves to resisting evil on all fronts by drawing close to God (James 4:7), learned to subdue the enemy by fighting with God’s power versus our own, and consistently and conscientiously lifted up the name of our God (Jehovah Nissi – Exodus 17:15) like a Banner!

The complete end to our battles with wickedness is a day of victory God has absolutely secured for His children through the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit He has given to us.

Revelation 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith; Surely, I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Monday, May 16, 2022, Day 2 of Week 5. This is the 30th Day in our Count to Pentecost.

Exodus 17:8-13 (8) Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. (9) And Moses said unto Joshua; Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. (10) So, Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. (11) And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. (12) But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. (13) And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

The battle with Amalek raged back and forth all day. Eventually, the battle ended, as the Amalekites were “discomfited.” This word is used infrequently today. According to the dictionary, the archaic meaning of this word is “defeated. “

Exodus 17:14-16 (14) And the Lord said unto Moses; Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. (15) And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: (16) For he said, Because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

Have you ever wondered why God did not defeat Amalek as He did the Egyptians? Why did He allow Amalek to attack in the first place, and why did Israel have to go into hand-to-hand combat? And, why was Moses’ intervention required? The answers provide significant lessons for us today.

Believers are still being attacked by “Amalekites,” and although he was a real person, his name has become a synonym for treacherous evil. God is more than able to deliver us from Amalek, yet He intends we learn to do battle His way against this enemy who attacks slow movers and the young and helpless. He goes after the distracted, careless, weak, weary, sick, aged, and other vulnerable individuals. Amalek attacks those of us who do not fervently “love the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10) and are not moving properly to our appointed destination, i.e., to become like our Savior.

Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ:

God allows Amalek to engage us in battle so we can learn, overcome, die daily (1 Corinthians 15:31), behave wisely, and choose to change our ways so that they “please the LORD.”
Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Sunday, May 15, 2022, Day 1 of Week 5. This is the 29TH Day in our Count to Pentecost.

God purposed to give water to Israel by having Moses strike a particular rock in the area of Horeb that was some distance from the main campsite at Rephidim. Exodus 17 points out how God sent Moses and “elders of Israel” ahead of the rest of the group. Other Scriptures show that what God did to provide water from the Rock at Horeb had profound prophetic significance. The “elders” were an important part of God’s plan. At the very least, they were God’s witnesses. It is important to notice that the “elders” were from all of the tribes, not just the Levites.

Exodus 17:5-6 (5) And the Lord said unto Moses; Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. (6) Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and here shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

God had established elders among His people, at least, from the time Israel was in Egypt. We naturally expect these “elders” to have had experience, wisdom, and leadership skills because of the ways God used them. Exodus describes several ways God used this special group of Israelite leaders. Moses called them together to tell them God was going to deliver Israel (Exodus 3:15-17, also Exodus 4:27-29). These elders went with Moses to inform Pharaoh of God’s intentions (Exodus 3:18). They backed him in Pharaoh’s court and witnessed God’s miraculous interventions first hand. The elders were involved in killing the Passover Lamb and smearing the blood over the door and lintels (Exodus 12:21-22). At Horeb, they saw how God used Moses and, how God provided water.

They were able to speak with conviction and certainty about what they observed. When Israel arrived at Sinai, Moses reported God’s words to the elders before the rest of the people (Exodus 19:7-8). Then 70 elders went with Moses part way up Mt. Sinai to receive the commandments. There they “saw the God of Israel” (Exodus 24:10-11). The Old Testament records how God persisted in His use of Israel’s elders on many occasions and in many different roles. And, in the New Testament, God continued to designate “elders” and use them as His servants within His Church. Also, in the book of Revelation, we find spirit beings called “elders” at God’s throne. They are mentioned in Revelation more than 10 times. Clearly, there is a pattern to observe in God’s use of “elders.”

The Bible shows us how God uses “elders” among His people as His servants, rulers, leaders, workers, and witnesses. His Word declares how He expects us to relate to them and how they are to “rule well” by God’s standard. Let us understand and interact with them as God has intended.

1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (12) And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; (13) And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Sabbath, May 14, 2022, Day 7 of Week 4. This is the 28TH Day in our Count to Pentecost.

Israel was barely into the Wilderness of Sin before some of them began to murmur and complain…again. Some even accused God of having the horrible motive of bringing them into the wilderness in order to kill them with hunger.

Exodus 16:2-6 (2) And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: (3) And the children of Israel said unto them; Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. (4) Then said the Lord unto Moses; Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in My law, or no. (5) And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily. (6) And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel; At even, then ye shall know that the Lord hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:

Our merciful God did not crush the rabble-rousers. Instead, He gave all of Israel multiple blessings. He gave them manna, the bread from heaven, and an abundant feast of quail. He also gave them the great blessing of the Sabbath rest.

At first, God did not give Israel the meaning of the Sabbath. He only gave them elementary instructions on how they were to observe it. He began with very concrete guidelines that focused on how they were to gather the manna. In this way, God gave tangible proof of which day was the Sabbath. It was a specific day, not just any day in seven.

At Mt. Sinai, several weeks later, God gave more instructions regarding the observance of the seventh day Sabbath (Exodus 20:10-11). And, soon after delivering the 10 Commandments to Israel, God made the Sabbath a sign between Him and His people and defined Sabbath observance even more clearly. God told Israel it was a time of refreshing (Exodus 23:12).

Exodus 31:13-17 (13) Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying; Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. (14) Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein,
that soul shall be cut off from among his people. (15) Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. (16) Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. (17) It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

Today, God is giving His Church even more understanding of proper Sabbath observance and additional understanding of its purpose. For example, we understand we are to assemble and to fellowship with one another, and with our Father and our Savior. And, we have learned that there are some wonderful promises attached to proper Sabbath keeping.

1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Isaiah 56:6-7 (6) Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve Him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants, every one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of My covenant; (7) Even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon Mine altar; for Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Isaiah 58:13-14 (13) If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: (14) Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Let us all remember that God created the Sabbath, and that what He does He does with great purpose! The Holy Bible says that God “rested,” setting us the example. So, let us “rest,” rejoice, and enjoy today for it is the seventh day of the week. It is God’s Sabbath, God’s beautiful gift to us of holy time.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God