We have a 2,000 year old problem.

Historically, Jesus came between the times of Israel, and the times of the gentiles.

Following the physical practices and traditions demonstrated by Israel as a light upon a hill, Jesus came, then came the Holy Spirit. As a light upon a hill shinning out to all the world, those practices given to Israel—well, were ONLY for practice.

What practices? Practices for what? And why are they only practices?

Such practices, like keeping the Sabbath for example, was a practice performed as preparation for a coming event—to show the world what was coming, and all of what God ultimately had planned. That particular event portrayed entering into the presence of God’s rest—meaning heaven. Which He first gave by the example given in the creation story. Then came the practice of Sabbath keeping, and then was to come the event practiced for…not just endless “practice.”

That event came with the coming of Jesus. Israel was promised a Messiah, given practices to fulfill as a light unto all other peoples of the world, then He came, saying, “surely the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Matthew 12:28). Which was the promise of Messiah and of God to enter into His rest. He even told Israel, “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.” Leaving no question about the timing, and no excuse.

As such, it meant a host of other practices came to fruition also. Ultimately, it meant—that was then…and this is now—2,000 years ago! Yet, since then we have even continued to practice, as if nothing had actually changed….except that gentiles could also participate as if it were all for a day of rest here in this world.

Oh, there is still a benefit to continuing such practices—life in this world is indeed better for it. However, it is wrong to think the practices were the event, and the ultimate commandment. On the contrary, Jesus balled out the Pharisees for believing that and for hindering those who were ready to enter into God’s rest—even way back then.

So no, such practices, although they may continue to have certain worldly benefits even now after 2,000 years—they are not to be confused with WHY it was right to keep the practices up until and during the time of Christ. To the contrary, if those practices are now the focus, they make void—and continue to hinder those who would enter in, just as the Pharisees did.

And that’s a problem.