The “First Day” of the Week - Part One (of 2)

Most Christians go to church on the “First Day” of the week, which is Sunday.

The Jews call Sunday, “Yom Rishon,” which means “First Day.” “Yom” means “Day.”

With the exception of the Sabbath, the Jewish weekdays have no names; they are simply numbered. Thus, the number is the name of the day.

“Yom Rishon” is "First Day" which we call Sunday. “Yom Sheni” is "Second Day" which we call Monday. “Yom Sh'lishi” is "Third Day" which we call Tuesday, and so on. Saturday is the exception, which is called “Shabbat.” Shabbat is the seventh day, but it is always called “Shabbat.”

There are some instances where the “First Day” is “Yom 'Echad”, which is “Day One.” This is the case of the “First Day” in Genesis 1:5.

On the “First Day” of creation God said, “Let there be light.”

"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." - Genesis 1:3-5

The light was not something that was created, for God is light. Rather, light was manifested out of the darkness from where it had been concealed.

In the New Testament, this manifesting of light to shine out of darkness appears to refer to the mercy and glory of God in Christ.

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." - 2 Corinthians 4:6

Through the infilling of Jesus' Spirit, the Holy Ghost, we have this same light and glory of God in us.

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." - 2 Corinthians 4:7 KJV

[We are like clay jars containing this great treasure, making it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.]

Jesus is the Light, and we are to be His light to this world. The only way we can be the light of Jesus to the world, is for us to turn from sin, to be baptized in Jesus name for the remission (washing away) of our sins, and to be filled with the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

Thus, it seems appropriate for us to gather together as the church on the “First Day” of the week. The first day is when light appeared, and church is where we can learn about the true Light – Jesus!

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." - John 8:12

Church is where we can hear the gospel, where we can repent, be baptized in Jesus name, and receive the gift of His Holy Ghost, we too becoming light to the world!

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5:14, 16

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call...

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:38-39, 42

(To be continued)