#BTColumn – Give God what is his!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados TODAY. 

by Heather Marina Ward

In the Attorney General’s elucidation of the Prime Minister’s Press Statement of Thursday, February 25, 2021, he made reference to the seventh day as the rest day, and then proceeded to outline what businesses would be closed on Sundays.

Anyone hearing Mr. Marshall’s remarks and witnessing his obvious chuckle would recognize that he was aware of his error – whether said intentionally on instruction, or of his own accord.

God’s Word, the Bible, gives us specific indications as to the order of the days of the week, from 1st to 6th, and the only one mentioned by name is the 7th day which God called the Sabbath Day.

History records that the ordering of the days of the week has never changed, not even when in 1582 the Julian calendar was changed to the Gregorian calendar and ten days were dropped from the year; Thursday, October 4 was followed by Friday, October 15. Anyone still in doubt as to where the 7th day falls, may follow the narrative from Crucifixion on the 6th day (Preparation day) to Resurrection on the 1st day. (Luke 23:54 to Luke 24:1)

Additionally, God gave clear instructions as to how the Sabbath Day should be treated. (Exodus 20:8-11, Isaiah 58:13).  Jesus while on earth held high regard for the Sabbath, as do the Orthodox Jews up to this day.

Our country has been severely struck by the Coronavirus pandemic, to the extent where we are struggling to revive a flagging economy. Many families are faced with sickness and grief — real, raw, personal pain.  The leaders of this nation therefore need to re-examine their stance on how they regard God’s commands and how they are seeking to lead the gullible citizens down a path that is not Biblical.

The leaders need to rethink whose directives they should follow: no mortal of whatever status should be followed slavishly and sheepishly in spiritual matters.  God inspired King Solomon to instruct us that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34) We need God’s approbation and blessings now more than ever.

We should remember that God could not excuse the very first pair He created after their disobedience. Yet, over the centuries man has continued to provide an alternative to everything God has put in place for the happiness and well-being of the human race. NEVER has God accepted these deviations; ALWAYS there is a penalty.

Our nation therefore needs to step back, and take counsel from the words of Jesus Himself, to “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)

The article was submitted as a Letter to the Editor.