Sabbath In Creation

Humanity

Divine Image Exclusive to Royalty:

Only kings or pharaohs were considered to be made in the image or likeness of the gods.Kings acted as earthly representatives or embodiments of deities, reinforcing their divine right to rule.This concept legitimized the social hierarchy and the absolute authority of the monarch.

Common People as Servants:

Ordinary individuals were not viewed as bearers of the divine image.Their primary role was to serve the gods and the king through labor, offerings, and obedience.Human worth was often linked to their utility in supporting the needs of the gods and ruling class.

Biblical View of Humanity

All humans are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27).This includes every person, both male and female, attributing inherent dignity and worth, royality to all.

Work

Ancient Near Eastern View of Work

Humans were made to perform labor that gods no longer wished to do, serving the deities' needs.Work included providing food, performing rituals, and maintaining temples.

Labor as Burden and Servitude:

Work was often seen as toilsome and burdensome, imposed upon humanity by the gods.Common people labored continuously,

No Regular Rest Days for All:

Rest was a privilege for gods and the elite; there was no institutionalized day of rest for ordinary people.

Biblical View of Work

God Himself works in creating the world, setting a precedent for the value of work (Genesis 1-2).Humans are placed in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it (Genesis 2:15).

Work as Vocation and Partnership:

Work is viewed as a meaningful Calling & Mandate, allowing humans to participate in God's creative purposes.Involves stewardship, creativity, and responsibility over creation.

Rest

Ancient Near Eastern View of Rest

Only Kings and elites might enjoy rest, reflecting their elevated status.

Humans Serving to Provide Divine Rest:

Human labor allowed gods to rest by taking over tasks the gods delegated.Work of the common people was essential to maintain the comfort and sustenance of the gods through rituals.

No Institutionalized Rest for All:

No regular, universal day of rest akin to the Sabbath.

God's Rest

Enthronement: Resting symbolizes God taking His rightful place as the sovereign ruler over the ordered cosmos, much like a king sits enthroned after securing his kingdom.

Dwelling: creation as God's cosmic temple, and His rest signifies Him dwelling within His creation, ruling as King.

Application

You need to know Your identity, God want you to know your king and queen and a priest upon God for his purpose in christ.Your not a slave but a Son and Daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. God has restored your idenity in christ.

You work is Holy, Your called to confornt disorder and choas and to esbalth order where God has placed you. The problems and issues you see are for a reaon and you as a royal priest are to bring life and order and what is Good where God has plaaced you as you are his royal Child.

Every week as we order our selfs, our familys, workplaces and ministry, its take time to remember that we have entered Gods rest he has finished his work and he will finish his work and as he partner with him on this side of eternality were aslo called to enjoy him and dwell with him.

Amen