September 21, 2023: Incompatible With The Sabbath

"And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath." (John 5:16, ESV)

Either Jesus or the Jews were incompatible with the Sabbath. And since Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, I am voting that the Jews were incompatible with the Sabbath. The Jewish leaders reached the point that they were ready to kill Jesus for doing good on the Sabbath. If God created the Sabbath, and He did, I would say that murder probably disqualifies you from being one who honors the Sabbath well.
    
What makes us incompatible with the Sabbath? Our hearts.
If your heart is going through the motions of being godly, if you are quick to judge others, if you are living a double standard, if you value possessions more than people, if you make life harder rather than easier for others, if you are doing more harm than good towards others—you are incompatible for the rest of God.
    
What makes us compatible with the Sabbath? Our hearts.
If you are a God-lover, if you are merciful to others, if you do good to others, if you invite others into God's rest, if you free people of demonic strongholds and save life, you are compatible with Sabbath rest.
    
Those who love God and keep His commandments are more than compatible with God! They are loved, received, refreshed, restored, and filled with God's life. Their fruit will testify to their eagerness to enter God's rest.