A pastor friend thoughtfully told me this story:
I told my sister that I’m going to stop working on some pressing projects to take my day off. She responded, “You can’t quit while there are more things to complete!” My sister has a corporate job and works 70+ hours a week. I think my decision to stop and rest can be a prophetic witness.
Can you relate to my friend’s sister? Does your work command your attention seven days a week? Can you relate to my friend? Are you in a pattern of resting that leaves you standing alone in a culture that worships work? Many people strive for success in their business or occupation. Few strive to enter rest. Here are three reasons to protect a weekly day for rest, even if you are pressured to do otherwise.
#1. Rest Gives God Glory
God established a pattern of rest for all creation in the very beginning. “He rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done” (Gen. 2:2b ESV). God called his people to remember his rest by imitating his example. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Ex. 20:8). In giving this instruction, God makes it clear that everyone (livestock included!) is expected to enter this rest. If we think our work cannot wait for a 24-hour period, we are thinking too much of ourselves. Let us think more about the One who created us. When we re-enact the rest that God established, our cessation of work gives him glory.
[Jesus] restored a vision of the Sabbath rest meeting the needs of humanity.
#2. Rest Replenishes Joy
The Jewish rabbis spent much time planning to enter rest effectively. Deeply committed to practicing ever-expanding definitions of rest, they eventually forgot the reason for rest in the first place! Jesus reminded them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). Jesus corrected their burdensome expectations, and restored a vision of the Sabbath rest meeting the needs of humanity. He knew God intended for us to recover joy as we enter rest. Do you remember how you felt when you were a child and discovered that school was canceled? I believe God intends for the “I don’t have to go to school today!” joy to come over us when we think of Sabbath. What is keeping you from canceling cell phone, email, and your list of tasks for just one day a week? Take time to reflect on the work accomplished the last week. Take time to delight in all of God’s good gifts! Take time to enjoy nature, food, a neglected hobby, or a nap. When we enter God’s rest rightly, God will replenish our joy.
#3. Rest Prepares Us for Eternity
God has a future rest for us to enter. “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest” (Heb. 4:11a). God describes heaven as the ultimate rest for believers. How can we enter this rest? We must put our faith in Christ, who died and rose again to save our idol-loving souls. His finished work moves us to be intentional about praising God now and forever. When we cease from our work, we enter weekly worship proclaiming, “Jesus is worthy of all our worship!” We join other believers in a weekly warm-up for the declaration we will make for eternity. One day God will permanently cancel hurriedness, anxiety, and idols that are trying to sabotage our weekly, joyful cessation of work. The warm-ups will have fulfilled their purpose. The restful songs of eternity will ring. What a glorious snow day that will be!
2 Responses
This spoke to me. Thank you, brother. Good word.
Preston, I just wanted to affirm your emphasis on rest. I believe that this is a timely word for the church today. Most of us readily affirm the other 9 commandments given in Exodus to the Israelite’s, but when it comes to remembering the Sabbath day to keep it holy, I believe that we all need to be reminded that rest is meant to be a blessing not a liability. God bless you Brother!