When evening shadows fell on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I ordered the doors to be shut and not opened until the Sabbath was over. I stationed some of my own men at the gates so that no load could be brought in on the Sabbath day. Nehemiah 13:19

            Closing a store on Sunday is an individual owner’s choice.  Stores such as Chick-fil-a and Hobby Lobby have shown incredible success being closed on days they could make millions of dollars.  But because of their love for God, they honored Him by closing on Sundays.

            It’s not a rule that needs to be followed today.  Stores don’t need to close on Sundays for Sabbath reasons.  The Old Testament rule God enforced so people could focus and show their trust in God.  Nehemiah operated under Old Testament rules and wanted to make sure the people followed them closely.

Jesus became our “rest” from working all the rules like sacrifices and temple rituals.  He fulfilled all those actions and completed the work.  “It is finished” he said from the cross.  We still should go to church because we want to, not because we have to.  Resting is good for us, our bodies-our souls-our family, so we should practice the principle of finding a time of rest.