The Best Day of the Week
Petrus van Mastricht defined theology as “the doctrine of living unto God in Christ.” For theology to be true, theology must be useful, practical, and life-changing. One area in which this is most tangible is covenant theology. We believe that our God works through families and that our children are part of that covenant. We place upon them the covenant sign of baptism with the full expectation that they will come to enjoy all the blessings of the covenant of grace. This theology affects far more than simply baptism, for there is a benefit of the covenant in which our children are entitled to week after week. What benefit is that? Worship. Let me say that again. Our children are entitled to worship. Worship is their sacred privilege as those brought into the covenant family.
This privilege for them creates an opportunity for us. How so? Many of us have worshipped far too many Sundays to remember, and we instinctively know what happens on Sunday. We understand the various parts of a worship service and their function within our lives, but do our children? Many of us bring our children to service without ever explaining what is happening or why it is such a joy to us. William Boekestein has provided for us a children’s book to help fill that void. With engaging illustrations and simple vocabulary, Boekestein explains how we prepare for worship on Saturday and the great delight we have in resting and enjoying God on Sunday. With the snapshots of a tender family, he explains how we set apart the whole day for worship and rest. Moreover, he slows down during worship, explaining each and every aspect and how both parents and children should be responding in turn. Every page explains the subtitle of the book - The Best Day of the Week : Why We Love the Lord’s Day.
Reading and reflecting on this book, I can say that there has been no greater joy than to see my little ones in worship. To hear their little voices repeating our confessions of faith, singing our hymns, or following along in prayer have been a formative influence in their and my own holiness. It may be their privilege, but it has been my joy. Boekestein has provided us a rubric and a reason to make the Lord’s Day The Best Day of the Week. I encourage you all to pick up a copy and make it a part of your own Lord’s Day!
You can buy a copy here.
