Why Not Follow Jesus?

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Aug 4, 1909

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 36, No. 30.

Why Not Follow Jesus?

THE New York Observer has an article in a recent number, quoted also by the Christian Advocate, which contains the following just observation:

“The earthly life of Jesus in act and word may be looked upon as an interpretation of the Father’s will to men. In many cases divine law had become so entangled with and obscured by human traditions that it was no longer plainly understood. With keen discernment between true and false, Jesus pierced the meshes and tore away the veil.”

The writer tells us how Jesus used the Sabbath in deeds of mercy and healing, and truly says:

“There is an ever pressing need of bringing Jesus’ words and practise to bear on modern life. The danger now is not of Pharisaical burdens, observances, and restrictions; the pendulum has swung quite to the other extreme of too great laxity. Yet the Lord’s interpretation remains applicable and true to-day as it was then.”

Yet this is the interpretation which the Observer writer puts on “Jesus’ words and practise”:

“Many efforts are being made by Christian people to secure a Sunday which carries out Jesus’ interpretation of holy time. Canada has already put in force a law which is both stringent and kind.”

But Jesus did not regard Sunday as the Sabbath or as a holy day. He did not sanction its observance as such by word or practise. Not one word of the Master’s can be given in favor of Sunday observance.

He kept the Sabbath, the seventh day, the day just before the first day of the week, the day upon which He as Creator rested in the beginning, which He set apart and commanded man to observe, the day around which cluster the great events of God’s power, the fragrance of His goodness and love. This seventh-day Sabbath Jesus honored and kept. In this Sabbath agitation hear Him, follow Him. Take His interpretation, both in words and practise. If the Christian world did this, they would all be true Sabbath-keepers, and O, what blessings it would bring!