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Sunday Special
Certain days have certain feels to them. To me, Mondays are usually sluggish, making it difficult to get my mind into gear. I must not be the only one, because when I ask someone how they’re doing, they often reply, “Not bad for a Monday.” Fridays, on the other hand, have an energy attached to them. The weekend is near, and we can hardly wait to get it started. Of course, all of this goes out the window when you’re on vacation or out of your routine. Then, you find yourself asking, “what day is it?” because every day feels the same.
Except for Sunday. You always know when it’s Sunday. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, Sunday feels special because Sunday is special.
For good reason, we refer to Sunday as the Lord’s Day. In the book of Revelation, John wrote that he was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” (Rev. 1:10). While the day of the week is not specified in the text, what day besides the first day of the week could “the Lord’s day” be? That was the day that Jesus’ tomb was found empty (John 20:1). That was the day that the disciples gathered together to break bread (Acts 20:7). That was the day that the Christians in Corinth were instructed to set funds aside as they had prospered (1 Cor. 16:1-2).
The first day of the week is given first importance in the New Testament. But what gives it such a special feeling?
The Lord’s day is when we celebrate the Lord’s resurrection. All through the Old Testament, the Israelites were instructed to keep the Sabbath, or seventh, day holy. That was the fourth of the ten commandments. For over 1500 years, God’s people did so. Yet, in the book of Acts, we find the disciples assembling on the first day of the week. What event could be so important that it would deserve a new day to remember and keep separate? The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
The resurrection is the centerpiece of our faith. It proves the deity of Christ (Rom. 1:4). It displays the power of God over sin and Satan (1 Cor. 15:55-57). It assures our own victory when we are buried with Him in baptism and raised to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4). It gives us hope of a resurrected and glorified body when this life is over (1 Cor. 15:42-44). No matter the difficulties or trials that come our way, the Lord’s day helps put them in their proper place. That’s special.
The Lord’s day is when we partake of the Lord’s Supper. Again, we find this example from the Christians in the First Century (Acts 20:7). Paul would later write that “as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Cor. 11:26). This memorial feast was given by the Lord. It is about Him. It is observed on His day, the Lord’s day.
Where would we be without the death of Christ of the cross? Still lost in our sins. The bread is a memorial of His body that was pierced through for our transgressions (Isa. 53:5). The fruit of the vine is a reminder of His blood that was poured out for forgiveness of sins (Matt. 20:28). We remember His sacrifice for us through this solemn meal. And even though we do this each Lord’s day, it has special significance each time we partake.
The Lord’s day is when we surround ourselves with the Lord’s people. The world around us seems to be getting darker by the day. The news is depressing, no matter which channel you watch. The headlines get worse and worse the farther into the paper you go. And most of the forms of entertainment that are put out are not appropriate for viewers of ANY age. It’s very easy to become discouraged and feel overwhelmed by such a constant onslaught of worldliness.
Until the Lord’s day. Then we assemble with the saints and discover that we’re not alone on our journey. We find those of “like, precious faith” who are enduring and persevering along the same path. We blend our voices together in praise (Col. 3:16). We bow together in prayer (Acts 4:24). We commune with the Lord and with one another (1 Cor. 10:16). We listen to the word of God and renew our strength (Acts 11:23). The Lord’s day reminds us that this world is not our home. We’re on our way to a special place where will be with Him and His people forever.
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). It’s the Lord’s day. Make it a special one.
