“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.” (Psalm 143:8 NIV)
In the Old Testament, the Hebrews observed the Sabbath on the seventh day, totally in line with God resting on the seventh day after creation. In New Testament times, with some exceptions, the Sabbath or the Sabbat is observed on Sunday by most Christians. Some still observe it on Saturday. The change stems from the early church era, where believers met on the first day of the week. It seems appropriate because Jesus arose early Sunday morning, and what better day to celebrate and rejoice. Debates will occur between Christians, but that is not the purpose of this meditation.
While the word “Sabbat” means “a day of rest,” it does not mean that we should stay home and skip the assembly of the saints, as is the habit of some. We should gather together to be edified and to encourage some brother or sister who is appreciative and even in admiration of your faith, your favor, and your fortitude, regardless of what you are going through. Know that your very presence is a silent testimony in itself. Personally, I am always impressed by the believers who show up while they are dealing with difficulties, disturbed by the normal process of grieving during a loss, or determined in spite of major sicknesses or the deterioration of the body, a normal thing that occurs with aging.
There is a movie entitled “The Day After Tomorrow,” but I want to talk about today, Saturday, “The Day Before Tomorrow. I want to talk about the day before The Lord’s Day.
Let me reach back into time and share with you how God’s people prepared for the Sabbath in Old Testament times. The day before the Sabbath was a day of preparation. They got all their work done, performed their labors, prepared their meal for the next day, and proceeded to get everything out of their way so that they could observe the day of rest. They bathed and got their festive clothes together. They had a curfew, so to speak. This assured that they would no be worn out on their Sabbath.
Now let us step back into the right now. Today is our day before tomorrow; our preparation day. This is what we should do. Manage our time and make sure we get enough rest tonight so that we will have enough energy for worship tomorrow. Get things in order, to the best of your ability today, so you will be able join the saints in joyful worship, realizing that He, the Lord, is the One who has blessed you over the past week, and as a matter of fact, throughout your entire life. The Lord, He is the One who is waiting to meet you and bless us for giving Him glory and He wants us to hear the special word He will send, specifically for you and me. Pray that tomorrow morning will bring you the word you need to hear from heaven. And you know what, it will!
Be God-conscious and Christ centered on this day before tomorrow. You can leave the party early, cut the grass today or postpone it until later in the week, after Sunday. Decided on your “outfit,” and keep from having any excuse for missing church tomorrow. Well, get going! This is the day before tomorrow! This is the day of preparation for you! Have a special Saturday and on top of that, experience an even better special day in the house of the Lord tomorrow. Be blessed!
“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.” (Hebrews 10:25 Good News Translation)
Mark L. King