In the creation account, we learn about God’s rest on the seventh (Sabbath) day. Genesis 2:2-3 states, “And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So, God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it, God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.” Tim Keller reminds us, “According to the Bible, the Sabbath is about more than just taking time off. After creating the world, God looked around and saw that ‘it was very good’ (Genesis 1:31). God didn’t just stop working; he took joy in what he had made. This is the essence of the Sabbath for us. It’s about finding joy in God’s creation, in his salvation, and in the fruits of our labor. The Sabbath is a time of joy and peace in what God has done.”
We live in a driven society. Every employer wants to know how good a candidate can be at multi-tasking. Compared to earlier, less technological generations, I expect we are all a little obsessive-compulsive. We need to keep our lives in perspective. Although the Sabbath, created for man, includes the idea of resting from our labors, it is far more than that. It is necessary to find inner rest for our souls as well. Keller goes on to say, “We need rest from the anxiety and strain of our overwork, which is really an attempt to justify ourselves—to gain the money or the status or the reputation we think we have to have. Avoiding overwork requires deep rest in Christ’s finished work for your salvation (Hebrews 4:1–10). Only then will you be able to ‘walk away’ regularly from your vocational work and rest.”
In Mark 2:27-28, Jesus identifies himself as “the Lord of the Sabbath.” He’s the Lord of rest! One of the most comforting passages is Matthew 11:28-29. Jesus invites us all when he says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” After the fall, man’s work was never as effective as it was intended. “Labor” in bringing forth children was part of the consequences of sin. “Labor” in the fields that would bring forth thorns and thistles instead of wheat and grain made everything difficult and painful. But the work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary done on our behalf is perfect. It’s complete and the only real rest to be found in this sinful world is to rest confidently and comfortably in the hands of Jesus. No one or nothing can separate us from his loving care!