Deeper ReflectionWHEN I WAS GROWING UP AND LEARNING ABOUT THE 10 COMMANDMENTS, Commandment number four always struck me as a bit odd and out of place with the rest. I could understand the other commandments, but Sabbath observance did not seem as obviously important. It was only in my later years of running my own business and starting a family that I discovered how crucial it was to find regular rest in the midst of work.Thomas Cahill remarked that “no ancient society before had a day of rest… The Sabbath is surely one of the simplest and sanest recommendations that God has ever made”
13. But it was more than a recommendation.
14 God in His wisdom had ordained rest to be part of our work-life rhythm. It was designed for human flourishing.
15 At the beginning of this year, I felt convicted by the Lord to set aside more time for rest every week, even as my work demands, family needs (we just welcomed our third child!) and ministry commitments started to grow. If we do not intentionally carve out time for rest, our work can so easily consume us.But our rest time can be squandered away. Jesus taught that He is the true source of rest for our souls (Matt 11:28-30). Real rest comes when we spend time with Jesus, who during His earthly ministry prioritised time alone to commune with the Father. In the midst of our work, let us make time to draw near to Him who bids us, “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28).
13 Thomas Cahill, The Gift of the Jews (New York: Doubleday, 1998).
14 It was a strict requirement under the Mosiac Law. Cf. Colossians 2:16-17.
15 Mark 2:27.
