The first 21 verses of Chapter 12:
David broke the law, and yet was not found guilty. Jesus says the law was made FOR man, not vice versa. Therefore, the Law was meant to help us, and whenever it reaches its limitation it can be left behind. I think this applies to those who have to work on Sundays (as long as they take a different day as a Sabbath rest). I suppose those who are in the military are also excluded, since they are under orders. Perhaps the same is true for anyone who is obligated in one way or another to work in order to survive. The law wasn’t created to punish, it was created to help us and guide us.
In another sense, the sacrificial portion of the law is now defunct, since Christ has become the last sacrifice. And, our relationship to the remainder of the Law has changed. Under the Old Covenant man was required to perform certain duties and rites. For instance, circumcision was required of all male children in order to be approved of by God. But under the New Covenant, Paul states emphatically that circumcision has no value for obtaining salvation. It used to work, but it doesn’t anymore. I think the same thing is true for obeying the Sabbath.
Before you get mad and click off of this post, let me explain: I’m not saying that we shouldn’t obey the Sabbath, I think we should. I’m saying that it should be kept as an expression of love for God by those who are mature enough to realize that God prefers us to honor Him by keeping the Sabbath. It won’t guarantee your salvation, just as violating it no longer seals your fate. Belief in Christ, and acceptance of His sacrificial death on our behalf took care of that once and for all.
Blessings,
PR