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When you think about it, it really is a long way from one Sunday to the next. As busy as we are, a week seems to go by rather quickly — but spiritually there are so many temptations and difficulties and discouragements in a week’s time, we ought to be glad there aren’t any more than six days from one Sunday to the next. And considering the toll that each week takes on our spiritual lives, we ought to look forward to the Lord’s Day. Sunday is a true oasis in the often dry desert of our weekly routine. The things we do on this day are much more than duties and responsibilities — they are blessings.
A part of what we ought to look forward to is the “mutual” aspect of what happens when Christians assemble. When Paul wrote to his brethren in Rome, expecting to visit them soon, he said, “I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you — that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (Rom. 1:11,12). As an apostle, Paul obviously had some encouragement that he could give to the Christians in Rome. But he also looked forward to being encouraged by them. The encouragement would be mutual. And it should be the same with us — we should see our assemblies as opportunities to build up each other.
Such encouragement is not limited to Sunday, of course, but when we’re together on the Lord’s Day we should encourage our brethren and be encouraged by them. This mutual encouragement is not only important; it is something we should look forward to very much. The first day of the week ought to be a much-anticipated day of refreshment.
Sunday is not the only day of the week when Christians meet together (Ac. 2:46). Nevertheless, God did intend the first day of the week to have a special meaning, a meaning that no other day has. It is, among other things, the one day each week when we observe the Lord’s Supper (Ac. 20:7). Sunday is the day, more than any other, when we receive inner strength and refreshment to go onward and successfully meet the challenges that are before us. In a sense, our attitude about the Lord’s Day — along with the feeling we have when we anticipate it — says a great deal about the state of our spiritual health. If we don’t find ourselves looking forward to the best day of the week, then it’s time for a spiritual checkup. This week, let’s think about that.
Monday: Acts 20:5-12
Key Idea: We ought to look forward to observing the Lord’s Supper.
Questions for Family Growth: In this text, why did the disciples meet on the first day of the week? Why do you think they would have looked forward to this event? Why do we call the first day of the week the Lord’s Day? Do you think Rev. 1:10 is a reference to the first day of the week?
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:27-29.
Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
Key Idea: We ought to look forward to giving of our means.
Questions for Family Growth: What did Paul say he wanted the brethren in Corinth to do every first day of the week? With what attitude are we to do this, according to 2 Cor. 9:7? Should we be eager to do this or reluctant?
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:30.
Wednesday: Acts 2:42-47
Key Idea: We ought to look forward to singing, praying, and studying the Bible together.
Questions for Family Growth: What is said in these verses to indicate that the Christians in Jerusalem enjoyed being together? What effect would this have on their attitude toward the special things they did on the Lord’s Day?
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:31.
Thursday: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
Key Idea: We ought to look forward to being with the Lord’s people.
Questions for Family Growth: In vv.19,20, what did Paul say about his brethren in Thessalonica? In Rom. 1:11,12, what did he say he hoped for when he arrived in Rome to be with the brothers and sisters in that city?
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:32.
Friday: Psalm 122:1-9
Key Idea: We ought to look forward to worshiping the Lord with His people.
Questions for Family Growth: What did David say he was glad about? What is the “house of the Lord” of which he spoke? What is the house of the Lord today? What feelings should we have about being with the Lord’s people?
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 11:1.
Gary Henry – WordPoints.com + AreYouaChristian.com
