In the Old Testament, God’s people were called to his presence and to worship for several reasons. The feasts and festivals, along with the weekly Sabbath, were reminders. One could develop an extensive list of the things Israel was to remember. A short list could include that Israel was to remember God’s nature, his initiative and selection of them as a unique people, his deliverance of his people from Egypt, and his presence among them as a call to uniqueness and purity.
In the New Testament, Sunday, the Lord’s Day, functions as a day on which God’s assembled people, worshiping together, are reminded of the great truths of their spiritual lives. Today, let us remember.
- Let us remember who God is. Let us celebrate his greatness and grandeur, his splendor and majesty. As we worship, let us celebrate his creativity and creative power.
- Let us remember his purpose in the world as we recommit ourselves to participate in that purpose, to bring all creation under the umbrella of the Lordship of Jesus. Let us find in our shared worship renewed commitment and strength.
- Let us be reminded of God’s inherent nature, so that in view of his holiness, righteousness, and constant love and mercy, we can worship according to who he is, and not according to our own human nature and desires. Let us present ourselves as living sacrifices, being transformed into his likeness.
- Let us remember that God has delivered us by the death and sacrifice of his Son on the cross on our behalf. Let us remember that Jesus’ death and resurrection is the promise of his coming again and our ultimate resurrection.
- Let us remember that we are not alone in the struggle. As part of a grand spiritual family of brothers and sisters, we are evidence of the reconciling power of God’s peace.
- Let us remember that God’s continuing presence is ours as he goes with us, as Christ dwells in our heart, and as we are strengthened by the presence and promise of his Holy Spirit.