September 12, 2026 · David Farmer
Day of Preparation
“It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.”
Luke 23:54-56 →
## Ready or Not
When we were kids, we all played hide-and-go-seek. One person hides their face and counts out loud while everybody runs and hides. Before they leave the counting spot, they yell for everyone hiding, “Ready or not, here I come!” And wasn’t there always the kid who was never ready yet, cause he couldn’t decide where to hide? But as we get older, we all know someone (or maybe you are that someone) who is never prepared when the moment comes. It’s time to walk out the door for school, work, or church, or the dinner plans; and suddenly they’re running all over the house scrambling at the last minute. Then there are those who get ready early. They leave early. They drive under the speed limit to get there. They arrive early. They’re calm. And to them, I say, “Whatever.” Haha!
## Day of Preparation of the Sabbath
But when it comes to the laws and commandments surrounding the Jewish Sabbath, the Law is the law. What is Sabbath? It is rest from all work. The Sabbath is introduced with the story of the Manna (Ex16). Part of that Law states preparation for tomorrow’s meals were to be done on the 6th day, in order to do no work on the Sabbath itself. But the idea I want you to consider out of this passage is the concept of being prepared beforehand. Think about it. It’s not a New Testament Law, but it will be enforced! When the gate of heaven is opened, and Jesus yells out over the earth, “Ready or not, here I come!” will you be ready? It will be time for the dinner plans of all dinner plans. We’ll be gathered up (1 Thessalonians 4) in the “twinkling of an
eye” (1 Corinthians 15) to be taken to eat the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19). We will rest from our works (Hebrews 4) entering God’s Sabbath for man. Like Passover, if you want to eat this meal, you’ll have to be prepared beforehand.
## Self-Check
We must not hesitate in unsteady indecision; like the kid who couldn’t decide where to hide when he had the chance. Then when the time came, he was caught off guard scrambling. He couldn’t decide where to “take his stand”. Many Christians will be like this. Walking forward with Christ on purpose is a daily act. Commune with Him through the Bible and prayer at home, and obey Him with your hands, feet, and mouth in the world. This is the Day of Preparation. It’s time to get ready.
## Rest