When we read this Lord's Day it seems like it does not answer our questions and even seems to "miss the point" completely. Like children, we might like a list of things with some guidance. The problem however is legalism and the catechism always steers us in the freedom of our Lord Jesus Christ. And, although we thing the catechism here misses it, we will see that we understand the core of it as christians.

The idea of the Sabbath (idea of rest) is a very beautiful idea. God entered into the 7th day and enjoyed all He had made. It brings us to the very beginning of creation and to the end in the revelations John speaks about in this book. The legalisms will fade when we understand it. God RESTED on the 7th day. The ideas we want to impose on the day of rest cannot contradict God. He did not get tired. God entered into the enjoyment of the things He had made (an activity note) which will carry over to how we see the Sabbath. We will also in heaven not be tired...but will continually praise! It does not mean idleness (though in the body of this flesh we do balance body and soul with rest here below.) As the Eternal God enjoyed those things He created, He saw the re-creation already in the creation....These things in the light of the Eternal! And God took this concept and He RELISHED in it! And the Old Testament was a typical picture of rest-the land of Canaan picturing heaven against the bondage of Egypt. (When they did not enter in because of unbelief they did NOT take hold of Christ. And those that entered into the land of milk and honey lived in heaven of which they owned and could NOT lose as it went back to the original owner during the time of Jubilee.) The Lord fulfilled the labors and enjoyed those labors at the very right hand of God! Principally, all of the days we live as the Lord's Day, though we receive strength to live out of it here below on this day, to live through the rest of the week. It is the beginning of Heaven! Christ living within us! The Sabbath day?...talk about heaven!

How are we going to keep the rest of God as sojourners still in the flesh? This Lord's Day puts its very finger on the heart and soul of it.

1. The ministry of the WORD. Church! Where the gospel of the kingdom and Christ is proclaimed in truth! Yes, the heart of the Lord's Day is GOING TO CHURCH! That Word of God leads us in a life that we live as we already belong to heaven and that eternal rest.

2. Maintaining that preaching and teaching. You need those who FAITHFULLY teach that gospel and divide it correctly and purely!

3. Use the sacraments which speak to the incorporation into the Kingdom of Heaven and whereby in our weariness are strengthened in a new and holy walk and life.

4. Publically calling on the name of God and seeking His Kingdom. One only needs to step outside the doors of church to find out that it is NOT about the glory of the Lord! How sad.

5. Benevolence. Old Testament gleaning. It is the responsibility of the kingdom to take care of their own!

6. That I rest from my evil works and begin to live a life that resembles the eternal rest that awaits. We need ALL of the Lord's Days to keep us strong!!!