The first sentence is an introduction, “remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy”. What follows is an explanation as to how to keep it holy. A few things are required, firstly laboring six days. This is a part of the horizontal relational aspect of the law. 

Laziness affects the people around you. Imagine if everyone stopped working and decided to live a life full of leisure. Our economies would crash, everyone would starve, and the world would probably collapse into destruction. The Bible tells us to go to the ant and see how it works. Its work does not only benefit itself, but it benefits the entire colony. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever”. Laziness is counterproductive in the kingdom of God. It’s self-centered and breaks the relational aspect of the law of God. Thus, God requires us to work because of its benefit to ourselves and those around us. 

He also requires rest. This commandment takes the relational aspect a step further. Every Sabbath, not only are you commanded to rest, but you also to allow your family, your employees, your cattle and even your guests to rest. We see both a sociological relationship and environmental relationship in this law. By promoting rest within your community, you are honoring the Sabbath.

How might you share the message of Sabbath rest in your community? Start by inviting your neighbor, your friend or your family over for Sabbath lunch. One of the best benefits of the Sabbath is that it promotes fellowship. If the Sabbath is relational, then by fellowshipping with one another and sharing in the blessing of the Sabbath, we can strengthen our horizontal relationships with those around us.