There are many important days in our lives! Anniversary days, birthdays, and wedding days carry special meaning for us. Friday is an important football day in the fall of the year. We mark time by days!
There are important days in the Bible, too. The command to remember the sabbath day and keep it holy, was an important component of Jewish life. This precept was part of the Decalogue given by the Lord to Moses (Ex. 20:8-10). The sabbath was the seventh day of their week, corresponding to our present day of Saturday. These instructions were given exclusively to God's chosen people, the Jews (Deut. 5:15). The sabbath was a constant reminder that Israel had once served as slaves in Egypt, and yet, but the great and mighty hand of God, had been snatched from bondage (Deut. 5:15). The sabbath was given to the Jews as a day set aside for remembering who they were, and who their God was! Their activities ceased, as God had already provided for this special time.
It is true that some today (e.g., Seventh Day Adventists) argue for continued observance of the sabbath day. They reason that since God changes not (Mal. 3:6), the sabbath must yet be in force. True, God does not change, but His will for man has changed (Heb. 7:12). Further, some argue, that the sabbath was a perpetual covenant between God and His people (Ex. 31:16). Yes, as long as the Jews were God's chosen people (through whom the Messiah would come), the sabbath was an important part of their lives. But, are those who fail to observe the sabbath today put to death (Ex. 31:15)? Why not? Is incense in worship also used, since it too was a perpetual command (Ex. 30:8)? And, it is true that Christ observed the sabbath. But remember that He lived under the Law of Moses, keeping it perfectly (Matt. 5:17). Consistency demands observance of all the commands of Moses (e.g., Luke 2:21).
In these last days, as God speaks to us through His Son (Heb. 1:13), the first day of the week is a time of special significance for the Christian. It was the day Christ arose from the dead (Mark 16:9), being declared to be God's Son (Rom. 1:4). Jesus met with His disciples on the first day of the week before He ascended back to heaven (John 20:1, 19, 26). Christ honored His disciples with His presence. Yet, Thomas was not there when Jesus came, and look at what Thomas missed! He missed being with the Lord. He missed the mutual comfort and edification that comes from association with the Savior.
The first day of the week is the Lord's day (Rev. 1:10). The Lord's church began on Pentecost, the first day of the week. It is the day Christians meet to worship God in song, prayer, study, giving, and observing the Lord's Supper. Just as the sabbath day differentiated the Jews from the rest of mankind as they ceased from labor, the Lord's day helps us keep our focus on Him who died that we might live. The Jew who failed to observe the sabbath not only violated God's law, but also missed the opportunity to be reminded of who God is. The same is true for Christians today, who treat lightly opportunities for service and worship (Heb. 10:19-25).
The Hebrew writer tells us that Christ is our sabbath rest (Heb. 4:8-11). Let every day of life be one of consecration and service unto the Lord. Let us desire and eagerly anticipate special times of worship and praise, as we offer the fruit of our lips (Heb. 13:15). In one sense, every day of life is the Lord's, as all gifts come from Him. May we resolve to give ourselves to Him every day we may live.
- edited, Christianity Magazine, July 1994