Is it ok to ride a bike on the sabbath?

Christianity is about a relationship with Jesus.  The Bible says that knowing God is what eternal life is all about, and knowing Him is the result of that relationship.  Each of us must open our hearts to God and get to know Him.  The Sabbath is therefore very important, as it is the 24-hour period that God especially set apart for communion with His children, getting to know each other.  It is not just a matter of going to church, or of not working, but a day fully dedicated to communion with God. You already know that God does not want you to do normal work (which you get paid for) on Sabbath, but there is more to the Sabbath than what we stop doing.

John 17: 3   And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

Isaiah 58     ¹³ “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable, and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words, ¹⁴ then you shall delight yourself in the Lord; and I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

For many people who just want to keep God’s Commandments without a relationship with God, Sabbath is not a delight, as it says in the passage above. They end up with a whole list of rules about what NOT to do on the Sabbath, instead of concentrating on a 24-hour period that is there exclusively for interaction with God. Of course, this does not mean that you must sit down, or kneel down, and just talk to God, in one spot, for the whole day. We see and commune with God in nature, so that is a good time to spend walking and talking to God, while looking at His wonderful creation. This would also be a good time to ride your bike in nature, and appreciate what God has made for us to enjoy. Jesus also said that the Sabbath is a good time for doing good to people. So visiting sick or old people, or involving people in a small group studying the Bible, are all good things to do. Or just getting together with friends and family who share your love of God, and discussing some Bible topics.

Matthew 12:12   Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

It is important not to do our normal activities on God’s holy day. If you normally watch TV, or read novels, or play soccer, ride your bike, or whatever, it is good to leave those things for the other six days, and work out what you think would please God. Also, if you spend most of your week with people who do not honour God, try to stay away from them on the Sabbath, and rather spend it with those who believe what you believe. Remember, it is not about pleasing church members or family, but being in contact with God and doing what pleases Him. Depending on where your relationship with God is, will determine how you spend your Sabbath with Him. Personally, I look forward to the Sabbath, because I can preach and teach about God to those who don’t know Him as I do. It is also a time to spend with my family and friends who believe the same I do. Even though I “work” (preaching and teaching), it is all about God and it is a pleasure doing something for Him. Ask God what He would have you do on the Sabbath to make it extra special.

I trust that this makes sense. God bless as you study it!