Exodus 16 (Continued)
“AND IT SHALL come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.” verse 5. It was at this time God established the seventh day of the week as the day of rest for Israel — their sabbath day. The sabbath therefore is a type of God’s rest and as given to man expresses the desire of God’s heart, that he should share with Him in His rest. Here in connection with the manna, it has a very wonderful significance. So that the children of Israel could be free from gathering manna on this day, God provided an exception in regard to the daily routine. On the sixth day, they were to gather a double supply, a portion for the morrow as well. On this one day of each week, that which was held over did not spoil.
After the cross of Christ the sabbath of the Jews was no longer continued, for from that time forth the first day of the week was set aside for Christians. This is confirmed in several New Testament passages, and it is the privilege and joy of believers now to associate the first day — the Lord’s day — with the resurrection of the Lord, and the day on which He first met with His disciples after He arose from the grave. Christians are called upon to sanctify this day, or set it apart for the Lord, and insofar as possible to refrain from labor and other occupations so that the day may be reverently devoted to the Saviour.
On the day before the sabbath, the Israelite was to gather sufficient manna to last through the sabbath as well. Although not bound by the law, every true-hearted Christian might well seek to carry out this principle in connection with the Lord’s day. Surely we do not Weil to wait until the Lord’s day to be occupied with Christ, or to seek at that late hour to suddenly fill the heart with the Word of God. There should be preparation of heart and a gathering of these precious things well before the first day of the week dawns, so that out of the treasure of the heart one may bring forth good things and “offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:55Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5). When there is delay until Lord’s day to be occupied with Christ, there will be little enjoyment of His Person, and sad evidence that the heart has not been properly prepared for its privileges. One who desires to “serve the Lord with gladness, and come before His presence with singing” will find this can only be done when there has been preparation beforehand. The double provision of manna on the sixth day tells us that when sharing in God’s rest, in Ills grace, throughout eternity, Christ will still be our food; in fact, it may be said that our enjoyment of that rest will consist in feasting with God upon Christ once humbled here.
In Nehemiah’s day the gates of the city were shut when it “began to be dark before the sabbath.” There would be more for God from His people now if they too would close the week in quietness, refraining from those things that interfere with communion with the Lord well in advance of the Lord’s day. We cannot expect to have our hearts full of Christ on the Lord’s day if business or amusements have occupied us until late hours of the evening before. May God give us grace to consider these things in the light of eternity that we might honor Him more and enjoy Christ more in our hearts.
ML-10/19/1969