The Lord's Day
Scripture Reading — Acts 20:7-12
On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul
spoke to the people and … kept on talking until midnight.
—Acts 20:7
Jesus’ resurrection was so central for the early believers that many decided to come together to celebrate their risen Lord on the first day of each week.
Why Sunday instead of Saturday, the Sabbath? Because it was the on first day of the week that Jesus rose from the dead (see Mark 16:2). What day could possibly be more suited to worship and celebration than the day Jesus was raised?
Sunday quickly became known as the “Lord’s Day.” And the New Testament clearly shows that soon after Jesus’ resurrection the believers began setting aside Sunday as a day of special celebration. In today’s reading, for instance, we learn how the church came together on the first day of the week to break bread and listen to Paul preach. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 16:2, we’re told it was the first day of the week when believers were asked to bring their money offerings to the Lord.
For the church still today, Sunday is most often recognized as the day of gathering, the day of worship, the day of celebration, and the day of feasting.
A significant way to practice the Sabbath discipline of rejoicing is by gathering with fellow believers each Lord’s Day to rejoice in Jesus’ resurrection!
Father, as I gather with fellow believers to worship this coming Lord’s Day, help me to rejoice in the tremendous news that Jesus has been raised from the dead and now reigns as Lord of lords! Amen.
About the author — Shawn Brix
Rev. Shawn Brix has served as pastor in several Ontario churches. He and his wife, Jenny, have three children.
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