Sabbath Breaker!

The origin of the Hebrew Sabbath is uncertain, but it seems to have derived from the verb “Sabat”, meaning to stop, to cease, or to keep. Its theological meaning is rooted in God’s rest following the six days of creation (Gen 2:2-3). It is primarily used to denote the seventh day of the week. The Lord gave strict instructions to the children of Israel to keep the Sabbath day holy. It is a special day. A day held in high esteem; set apart to hear from God and also to make their request known to Him.

Now, Sabbath is an expectation. It is a regular point of contact. A focus you hope to get out something awesome from. Sabbath is where you expect to meet with God.

“And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time on that case, he saith unto him, wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me” John5v5-7

The picture in the scripture above is of people who have issues of different categories and they long for a change. Different problems but one method of deliverance- The Sabbath. They had their Sabbath which was a special day they met with a supreme being who brings answers to their desires. But for the prayers to be answered, they had to fulfil a criterion: get into the pool first. Anyone who fails to meet the requirement was denied the touch and had to wait till the next Sabbath.

By this pool was a man the scripture described as a certain man who had been there for 38years without any luck, not just that but no hope of any soon, but he stayed there anyway. His expectation was tied around the Sabbath, that was the one and only solution but the requirement seem unattainable. Suddenly appeared a Man he didn’t know is Jesus who is on a mission to show the Sabbath had changed from being static, it is now mobile. This man knew the only way to get his healing was when the angel comes- The Sabbath (His expectation), but the Sabbath breaker just appeared to Him to beat his Sabbath.

Jesus ended up breaking the Sabbath (expected means) to heal this man who had longed for this for 38years. This man had sat there all those years thinking it was going to be finding his way inside the pool that will make him whole, but someone came and said no, I will break that. I thought there was supposed to be celebration all around the city, but this was what the Jewish leaders had to say

“So they began harassing Jesus as a Sabbath breaker” v16

Have you been trusting Him for a certain thing? You have been there by the pool, hoping one day you will have the opportunity to jump in at the visit of the angel. You have attended several spiritual meetings, people are getting that same thing you desire, you could see it “but why not me?” is all you left with. But, you still have not shifted from trusting him, and now just as that man said “I can’t”, you have concluded it seems on this I can no longer have a breakthrough but I will keep siting by the pool.  I have got a good news for you. He isn’t asleep, He hears you, and He just wants to break the Sabbath (Your expectation). He is a Sabbath breaker! It brings glory to Him and glamour to your life.

As you go this week talk to Him about that issue, that “yes, I can’t (remember that was just what the man said when Jesus asked him if he wanted to be healed- Submission not Unbelief)”, the Sabbath (Your expectation) hasn’t worked, let Him break the Sabbath. He is going to break the Sabbath and you will stand amazed…and will leave men to say “This has never been achieved before”.

Be Innovated

Olufemi Ibitoye

@toyeolufemi