"The Earth Belongs to HaShem and the Fullness Thereof."
How to Honor the Sabbath as a Noahide Nazarene
By Ben Ruach ha Kodesh (John of AllFaith) � 8.03.09 
"Remember the Sabbath Day, to Keep it Holy."
Many non-Jewish believers in the God of Israel say they keep "the Ten Commandments" and are critical of those who don't. But, what about the Fourth Commandment:
Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
The truth is that the vast majority of Christians only even try to keep nine of the Ten Commandments. How many well meaning Christians condemn others for violating (or allegedly violating) minor addendum to the Levitical Laws while they themselves intentionally ignore one of the "Big Ten."
I discuss why and when the Christian Church abandoned the biblical Sabbath elsewhere. In this study I will be focusing on the question of how Noahide Nazarenes can reclaim Shabbat observance.
For those unfamiliar with the term, "Noahides" are non-Jewish (descendants of Noah) who worship the God of Israel. "Noahide Nazarenes" are non-Jewish (descendants of Noah) who worship the God of Israel through the New Covenant with Master Y'shua (Jesus) and his followers. The term "Christian" has become so broad -- and typically implies acceptance of the Nicene Creed -- that this term seems more specific for my purposes here.
Here at Exodus 20 we are directly commanded by God to honor the Sabbath Day and to keep it holy. Nothing in these verses specifies that Shabbat is for Jews only. Shabbat celebrates God's goodness and creation and as we are all blessed by His kindnesses and are His creation, it can be considered a universal instruction for all descendants of Noah who seek communion with the One God.
The version of the Ten Commandments recorded in Deuteronomy is almost identical. Of the Sabbath it says:
12 Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.
13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:
14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.
15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.
The Sabbath is often referred to as Shabbat or Shin-Beit-Tav, meaning to cease and put an to end to actions or to rest.
As they are under the "Law of Grace" with the New Covenant, followers of Master Y'shua are not required to observe the Mosaic laws recorded in the Torah (Galatians 3). Does this release them from Shabbat observance? This is an important question.
Note that the commandment says: "... nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant... nor thy stranger that is within thy gates..."
What is the biblical role of Noahide Nazarenes in relation to the Jews? Paul addresses this in some detail in Romans 11 where he explains that Noahide Nazarenes have been "grafted" onto the Tree Israel for the purpose of assisting them in their service to the God of Israel. Harmonious with this, Noahide Nazarenes do well to obey ALL of the Ten Commandments including observance of Shabbat as we seek to assist our Jewish brothers and sister in their ongoing mission to bless the world.
Shabbat is the only day of the week decreed by God for His worship and remembrance. There is NO biblical command to honor Sunday. Sunday was the traditional worship day of Sol Invictus, the Roman Sun God worshiped Constantine. Why would Christians choose that day over the biblically mandated day of worship, specified in both Testaments, for the worship of HaShem?
The biblical identification of days is not disputed by anyone. The Hebrew calendar is lunar and the description of the first seven days is clear: a biblical day begins at sundown and last until the next sundown. Hence, the Seventh day -- the Sabbath or Shabbat -- begins at sundown on the sixth day (by our solar reckoning) Friday and lasts until sunset on the seventh day (Saturday).
Gen 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
So then, this much is not debated: The biblical Sabbath is sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. There are Jewish traditions for narrowing it down even more than this based on the appearance of stars in the sky etc, but for our present purposes this will suffice.
There are a great many traditions regarding proper Sabbath observance. Some of these are based on direct biblical commands, some come from the Talmud and other Scriptures not normally embraced by Noahide Nazarenes, others are local customs and so on. So, what does proper Shabbat observance entail? What should one do and not do on Shabbat?
As the Torah forbids lighting fires on Shabbat special lamps and candles are often lit prior to sunset and left burning. Sabbath meals are likewise prepared prior to sunset. The command forbids lighting fires not having them already lit as Shabbat begins. This command is often understood in a very broad sense. For instance, starting a car requires the "fire" of ignition and so many will not drive on Shabbat however consider riding a horse to be fine. Others wont drive but will take a taxi, subway or a bus. While fireplaces can be stocked prior to Shabbat to keep the family warm, timers on furnaces and air conditioners are often not allowed as they use an ignition (the striking of a fire). Some people even remove light bulbs from refrigerators so that when opening the door no light will come on while others will not even use Shabbat lamps or candles once the sun sets. Different people allow or forbid different things. Each must be persuaded in her or his own mind (Rom 14:5).
Here is a biblical precedence for the prohibition against setting a fire on Shabbat:
Numbers 15:32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.
33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.
34 And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.
35 And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.
36 And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.
We have an account that mirrors this in the life of Master Y'shua. We know from the texts that Y'shua was Torah observant, however:
Matthew 12:1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.
3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;
4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?
6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:
Here then is the question that Noahide Nazarenes must decide. Jewish tradition and interpretation includes a lot of requirements and prohibitions for proper observance of Shabbat. As Noahide Nazarenes are not under the Law they must decide how to interpret these things.
It is so very easy to become locked into traditions or to view Shabbat as a time of restrictions rather than of joy and the expression of freedom. Traditions are fine, wonderful, however for Noahide Nazarenes it is vital to always remember the words of the Master:
Mark 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
Essentially Shabbat has two elements:
Shabbat is the weekly day of rest in the presence of God. It is Shin-Beit-Tav: a time to cease, to end, to rest. Shabbat is our weekly vacation to Eden. The day to rest from all secular activities. No work, no grass cutting or house painting or cleaning... just calm, soothing, healing rest. A day when the cares of the world are far far away and the blessings of God are close at hand.
But even more important than a day of rest, Shabbat is zakhor, a time to remember and shamor, a time to be consciously aware and observant of God's loving presence in our lives. Shabbat is the Lord's Day, the day to remember His grace and mercy and to joy in that blessing. It is therefore a time for thanksgiving, for joy, for worship, for praise and prayer.
The heart of Shabbat then is to lay aside the cares of this world and spend the day in spiritual communion with God in the company of like minded family and friends. To facilitate this communion there are myriad traditions and a few direct commandments given. These are given for our edification and to help us remain conscious of God throughout the day.
Mark 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
How to Honor Shabbat
Around 2 or 3 on Friday afternoon Sabbath observant Noahide Nazarenes, like their Jewish brothers and sisters, begin turning their thoughts towards Shabbat in expectant preparation. It is believed by some that Moshiach (Messiah) will arrive on a Shabbat and there is always the hope that perhaps this will be that Sabbath. With this hope homes are dusted, showers are taken, clean clothing are laid out to be donned prior to sunset... As cooking is generally not done on Shabbat the Sabbath meal is prepared prior to sunset. Jews traditionally include two loaves of bread (known as challah) but again, while there many wonderful Shabbat traditions what matters is the fellowship and the honoring of God. The food to be eaten is optional but everyone works together to make sure everything is in order to welcome the Holy Guest who one day will arrive. Whatever the meal, love is always the chief ingredient because this Shabbat... perhaps Moshiach or maybe angels unawares will come to the door and bless the family with their presence. One must be ready. It is in part for this reason that friends and strangers alike are often invited to partake in the welcoming of Shabbat and its principle meal.
Then, everything readied, no later than eighteen minutes before sunset, it is traditional to light the Shabbat lamps and candles. This marks the onset of the holy day and also, for those who eschew all "lighting of fires" during Shabbat it serves a more practical function as well.
Now loved ones gather together in unity to welcome Shabbat as a holy and honored guest. In Jewish homes females traditionally light two candles at this point representing the two commandments: zakhor (remembrance) and shamor (observance) and recite certain prayers. Much of what follows this point is based on tradition rather than biblical command and Noahide Nazarenes are encouraged to develop meaningful traditions of their own. Family traditions can make Shabbat all the more holy and meaningful as we offer ourselves and our loved ones up to God the Creator and Lord of Shabbat.
In honor of Shabbat recitations of the Shema are now recited:
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Other readings are also often included such as:
Mark 12:28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
29 And Y'shua answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
34 And when Y'shua saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
Anything that calls to mind the love and holiness of God is a wonderful contribution to the beginning of Shabbat. This could include songs, readings from scriptures, poetry, the sharing of stories or family traditions and so on so be creative.
This can also be a wonderful time for those present to partake in the rite of communion as instituted by Master Y'shua on the night of his arrest.
Some may go to Friday evening services at this point if they are available or they may use the time for family Bible study, prayer time and so on.
The Sabbath meal, prepared before sunset, is then eaten. This is a time to draw closer to one another and to be grateful for those we are blessed by God to share our lives with. Allow the trials and resentments of the previous week to fade away and enjoy the company of all those present as a holy convocation.
Leviticus 23:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.
3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.
After the meal there are traditional prayers of thanksgiving or Noahides are free to pray more private prayers of thanksgiving as the remainder of the evening is enjoyed.
Shabbat morning arise, perhaps share a light morning meal and if available attend Sabbath services with others, if not, home services can also be nice. It is not always possible to live near a Sabbath observant congregation. Noahide Nazarenes can attend Sabbath services with other Noahides or at Jewish shuls or synagogues as may be available. Attending services with sects that dishonor the Jewish people of course is never advisable. Before entering into fellowship with any group it is important to confirm that they do not believe the New Covenant has replaced the Covenants between HaShem and His people. Many Christian groups still teach this heresy.
Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
It would be far preferable to attend Sunday services with sincere Nicene Christians than Sabbath services with those who reject God's eternal covenants with His people Israel.
After services return home and spend some quality time with the family. Enjoy a nice leisurely meal, go for a walk... have a nice family time. A late afternoon meal is sometimes served.
Then at nightfall, when three stars are visible in the sky -- approximately 40 minutes after sunset -- Shabbat draws to a close. It is traditional for the family to gather together to bid farewell to Shabbat. There are traditional rites known as Havdalah (separation) that can be performed but this is optional. At this point blessings can be recited over glasses of wine, spices and candles. As the family partakes they bid farewell to Shabbat and ready their minds for the coming week.
Again, the details of Shabbat observance are not what matters. What is important is that we remember on this day the mercies of God and set the Sabbath apart for His worship.
May HaShem, the God of Israel and the world, bless and keep you and may His face shine upon you always,
~ Ben Ruach ha Kodesh ~ John of AllFaith 
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