Preparation of the Sabbath

11/03/06 - 6th Day - Before Supper. Preparation of the Sabbath. We're looking forward to a Sabbath around here. The Preparation of the Sabbath (what we call the 6th Day) is always a hectic and trying time. We are mixed with a longing for the rest of the Sabbath, and a hectic desire to make sure we have everything done. We work hard on these days. The preparation of the Sabbath is a type, given to us by God, so that we know that we must work while it is day, because night comes when no man can work. Our lives are a preparation for the Sabbath's rest, and the Sabbath is given to us for this reason, so that we know the plan and will of God, and so we can teach it to our children.

According to the scripture, we are in this world that we might be perfected for the next. Preparation, then, should be understood as that which perfects us. God allows his children to be hated, scorned, persecuted, slandered, attacked and vilified so that we will be identified with HIM who was so hated by the world. The Doctrine of Separation (along with the Doctrines of Grace), when embraced and obeyed, will guarantee persecution for the elect of God. One of our BiblicalAgrarianism.com forum members recently reminded us of the words of A.W. Pink in his excellent piece on Separatism:

"Let any Christian act on the Command of separation given in 2 Cor. 6:14-17, and he will find his path so beset with difficulties and so tending to arouse the hostility of all, that if his eyes are not kept fixed on the Almighty God who has thus called him out, he will surely have a breakdown." But let it be noted that these promises are conditional, conditional on obeying the preceding exhortations. Yet if the heart lay hold of this blessed inducement, then obedience to the command will be easy and pleasant."

Thus we understand that persecution and the hatred of the world (especially from religious worldlings and practical athiests in modern religion) is a preparation for our eternal Sabbath, and it is given to us to make us perfect.

I suppose that the internet just intensifies the effect. The day before yesterday I was called (he will claim he just "implied" that I am) a murderer by a fanatical (but anonymous) Catholic mystic. He was immediately applauded by some another amoral religiousites. Yesterday I was called a "skinhead in a Christian suit" by a religious profiteer who was mad that I didn't let him use my website for some free advertising. That was only two days of the week... Monday and Tuesday were worse.

Count it all Joy

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:2-4)

It is beneficial to know that these days are given to us for a purpose, and that God is working in us according to His own will.

The Sabbath rest is soon upon us, and these days are given to us for preparation. May we use them properly and according to the Word of God.

Michael Bunker