AT THE END OF THE (LORD’S) DAY: REFRESHED OR RAGGED?

Why do we have a special day? A creation ordinance – a day of rest (Gen. 2:2-3) “The rhythm of one in seven” (Derek Thomas).

Why and how do we worship? God alone is to be worshiped (Exod. 20:3-6). “The acceptable way of worshiping God is instituted by himself, and he may not be worshiped according to the imaginations and devises of men” (WCF Chapter XXI). “The Sabbath is kept holy when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs beforehand, are taken up in the public and private exercises of his worship and in the duties of necessity and mercy” (WCF Chapter XXI).

When do we worship? “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exod. 20:8-11). “He appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath, which from creation to the resurrection of Christ was the last day of the week, and from the resurrection of Christ was changed to the first day of the week, which is called the Lord’s Day” (WCF Chapter XXI, see also I Cor. 16:1-2, Acts 20:7, Rev. 1:10).

How do we observe it? The day of rest is a special day of public (corporate) and private (individual and family) worship, rest, fellowship/hospitality, and in duties of necessity and mercy (Isa. 58:13-14; Matt. 12: 1-12; Mark 2:23-27). “A market day for the soul.” What’s on your “list”? Yours might be different from mine (I Cor. 8:1- 13).

What is the goal? To “be refreshed” both spiritually and physically (Exod. 23:12). Not a dreary, joyless experience, but a celebration of God’s gifts. Ask yourself, “Does this grow my love for the Lord and his people?”