Sabbath breaking is a grave matter in the eyes of God, constituting an act of immorality. Immorality is the failure to conform to the accepted standard of God's Law, which we covenanted to keep. The breaking of the Sabbath was a primary cause of God sending Israel into captivity, as revealed in Ezekiel 20. Though sins like adultery, lying, and stealing are easily recognized as immoral, Sabbath breaking is often not associated with immorality in our age due to the emphasis on sexual sin. Yet, from God's perspective, it holds equal weight. The Sabbath is a sign between God and His people, a memorial to creation that identifies and distinguishes us from others. Breaking it begins in the heart, stemming from idolatry—something that comes between us and God. Idolatry, the root of all sin, involves following unlawful desires that lead us to submit to something other than God. Just as Adam and Eve's desire for the forbidden fruit severed their relationship with God, so too does Sabbath breaking arise from desires that pull us away from His simple directives. Israel began breaking the Sabbath even before reaching Sinai, showing a heart inclined toward idols. Ezekiel 20 links Sabbath breaking directly to idolatry as the cause of captivity for both Israel and Judah. This sin continues to be relevant, as Ezekiel's message speaks to past history, present actions, and future prophecy. God warns that He will chase His people with the sword due to such disobedience, a warning that applies to the church as the Israel of God today. The Sabbath commandment is often considered the least important by much of mankind, rejected by all but a few. At its base lies idolatry, where man's own mind sets up what seems right, contrary to God's will. The central purpose of the Sabbath is not merely to rest from physical labor, but to build and develop our relationship with God. It is a weekly appointment with Him, a time to seek and know Him, ensuring the relationship is not lost amid life's other activities. True spiritual rest and refreshment come from proper fellowship with Him on this day. If our minds are elsewhere during the Sabbath, the connection with God is broken, and the power that flows from His presence cannot reach us. God has a date with us every Sabbath, offering blessings and vitality, but only if we devote ourselves to Him. True rest, energy, and liberation come from this relationship, not from merely ceasing work. God is our Deliverer, and it is in fellowship with Him that we find the strength to rise on the high places of the earth.

God has designated the Sabbath as a holy day, set apart for His worship and service. Breaking the Sabbath was a significant transgression, as evidenced by it being one of the major reasons Israel was forced into captivity and divorced by God. His concern is not merely with the observance of the day, but with the manner in which it is observed, making it a sign between Him and His people. The Sabbath is to be a day of joy and delight, held honorable, and used to do His pleasure rather than our own desires or usual weekday activities. The emphasis is not on the amount of energy expended, but on the purpose and intent behind what is done on His holy time. God provides examples and broad principles rather than a specific list of dos and don'ts, expecting us to make righteous judgments in specific situations. For instance, the Israelites expended significant energy on the Sabbath when marching out of Egypt, crossing the Red Sea, and conquering Jericho, because it was His pleasure and served His purpose. Similarly, priests performed required offerings on the Sabbath as it was His will. In contrast, God clearly instructs preparation on the day before the Sabbath, such as gathering twice as much manna on Friday, to avoid ordinary work on the holy day. This principle remains, indicating that regular weekday tasks, like food preparation, should not be done on the Sabbath. The Sabbath commandment is more restrictive than other Holy Days, except for the Day of Atonement, as God permits some flexibility for circumstances like travel on Holy Days. However, He shows that His law can bend in unusual situations, as seen when David and his men ate the shewbread under dire circumstances. Jesus corrected the Pharisees' rigid and superficial judgments about Sabbath-keeping, emphasizing that the intent of God's law is to produce justice, compassion, and faithfulness, rather than a burdensome adherence to rules. The Sabbath is intended to be a liberating delight, fostering right relationships with God and fellow man.