Writing about the Sabbath is very difficult for me. I have so much to say on it and yet many more questions than answers about it at the same time, that it's hard to focus on one aspect of it all.
For a long time now, Carl and I have been asking God to give us wisdom on understanding how the Lord wants us to observe the Sabbath. We've also wondered what it would take for our entire family to have a restful Sunday, including Carl, being that He's a pastor.
I've already told you all about Saturday being preparation day and its very helpful, except for those Saturdays that are busy enough in themselves. In our family, that would include most Saturdays.
So what is the purpose of preparing for the Sabbath?
Preparing for the Sabbath insures that we'll have a restful day because we're ready for the day. For example, spending time with our family and friends, having a nice meal that's been prepared in advance with minimal effort and being intentional in celebrating the Sabbath in a way that sets it apart from all the other days.
Its amazing how when we seek to find answers to God's truths, He answers.
When I was at the Homeschooling convention I came across the wonderful vendor Doorposts, that has been selling scripture based teachings for parenting for twenty years. They have written a book on celebrating the sabbath and also have a blog in which they recently did a five day series on preparing for the Sabbath.
As I read it over I realized that preparing for the Sabbath is not just a Saturday event. Doorposts, breaks it up into tasks to be done throughout the week and it makes perfect sense.
Exodus 20:8 says,
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Holy means set apart.
We're suppose to set apart the Sabbath as a special day.
Think about all the other special days we celebrate. Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays. All special occasions in which we plan and prepare for in advance. Not only one day but in the days or month leading up to it. How much more important to lead up to our Sabbath by preparing for it throughout the week.
Our Sabbath should be a day in which we're daily in preparation for this special day. By anticipating the Sabbath, our mood would set our hearts in the right place for worshiping the Lord instead of a rushed morning leading to attitudes that are less desiring of praise.
Preparing for the Sabbath doesn't just mean crossing tasks to be done off a list. It includes preparing our hearts and "setting it apart" for the Lord.
Just as a bride in anticipation of her wedding day, prepares herself to meet her future husband in more than presentable fashion, so too, should we be preparing to meet with our Maker on the Sabbath.
We are called by God to holiness. To be set apart for Him.
1 Peter 1:15-16 says,
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
So bring your best before the Lord...an offering that is pure and holy and pleasing in the sight of God and receive the rest He's calling you to.
Prepare and set yourself apart.
How will you start preparing daily for the Sabbath?
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