Ithink I can safely say that
most people have a favorite
day of the week. Some people
like Monday because it is the
start of the week; some like
Wednesday, because it is what
has been called “hump day” and is
the middle of the work week; still
others like Saturday because it is
the start of the weekend and
there is no work. However, I like
Sunday because it is the day of
worship. I just can’t wait until
Sunday morning!
Throughout the Bible, there is
an indication that one day of the
week is to be set aside for rest and
reflection. In the Old Testament,
judgment often fell on ancient
Israel when the Sabbath was
neglected. In the New Testament,
the Lord’s Day became a weekly
reminder of Christ’s death and
resurrection. However, there
appears to be a great decline,
even among Christians, to keep this
day holy. Today, our Sundays are
filled with car washing, lawn work,
house cleaning, sport events, drinking,
school work, and other weekend
activities. Is Sunday just another
day for you? Do you seek to keep the
day holy? Is Christ the focus of your
Sundays?
From the text cited above, we can
glean a few principles that can
guide us in handling our Sundays.
First, we are to remember the day
and keep it holy. Second, we should
be careful what we do on this day
(Rom. 14; Col. 2:16). Third, we
should gather with others in worship.
I am aware that there is much
debate in the Christian community
regarding whether Sunday and if its
requirements are still a Christian
mandate. I also know that times
have changed. Going to church on
Sunday once was the only option for
many people. Now, because of long
commutes, more activities for children
and the way things are scheduled,
many find it difficult to adhere
to some of the biblical principles.
Paul warns us not to conform to this
world (Rom. 12:2). I firmly believe
that even if we don’t do right, we
should know what is right. Our foreparents
understood the importance
of Sunday. They would not cook or
wash on Sunday. They held Sunday
as a special day and some things
they just would not do. The Jews
recognized a day for God. The early
church understood their faith in
community (Acts 2:41-47). They
came together on the first day of the
week. For me, the issue is settled,
on Sunday I want to be in the
church. On Wednesday, the choir
may not be able to get their tune,
but wait until Sunday! On Thursday,
the deacon may not have anything
to pray about, but wait until
Sunday!
On Friday, the usher’s feet may
be hurting, but wait until Sunday!
On Saturday, the preacher sermon
may not be coming together, but
wait until Sunday!
I just can’t wait until Sunday!
|