Exodus 23:12
“Six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you shall cease from labor…”
It was part of the people’s code that the sabbath was to be observed. We tend to get so obsessed that we can’t rest. However, it is good for us to do so. The sabbath is beneficial for many reasons: we need rest, there are other priorities than completion, become more other focused, etc.
We need rest. We get into a rythm that often doesn’t allow for any breaks or stopping. It’s a compulsion that drives us. This kind of working isn’t healthy and leads to burn out.
There are other priorities than completion. When we are stuck in that destructive rythm, we won’t reasonably regulate ourselves until we’re done. This causes us to hate the task. By puting things in their proper place, everything eventually gets done and we won’t dislike particular jobs.
When we rest from labor, we are able to give time to others. There are some things and people who will never get served if we are in that work mindset. The mandated rest helps us get our minds off ourselves and those things that drive us.
We aren’t mandated to rest in the New Testament. But it’s a good idea. I’ve blocked out Sundays for no School work. If it’s to be done, do it on Saturday. This has been so restful. I’ve also dropped in on friends and connected with people that I should have, but probably wouldn’t have.
“But I don’t have enough time for a day off.” This is understandable. However, a break will most likely make you more efficient and productive during the six days. I also think that God will honor it and aide us. Malachi 3:10 speaks of giving to God. He says He will repay us in bigger portions. He challenges us to test Him. While the immediate context is money, I think He will honor it with whatever we give to Him. In this case we are sacrificing our time. I believe He will give us efficiency to allow us to finish. In addition, He will bless our obediance. Thank You, Lord, for being so invested in us.
Lord, thank You for Your wisdom. You demonstrated rest for us by resting Yourself. Help us to honor it.