the needed requirement
There is an odd occurrence within the modern church that is wreaking havoc on the psyche and wellbeing of churchgoers: we refuse rest. Moreover, Christians are taught that a rejection of the Sabbath commands in the Bible is not only good but also a display of our freedom in Christ. Messages announcing that Sabbath rest is no longer required emphasize finding spiritual rest in the truth of the Gospel; this messaging, however, still finds us physically depleted wondering if things will ever improve. We are told that it is good and praiseworthy to ignore the abuse of the body because of the future hope of the soul; but, as all have experienced, the neglect of one deteriorates the others.
We misguidedly avoid that which was intended for our good, to meet a universal need, and instead supplement with excessive caffeine gritting our teeth to push through our limitations. The wide felt results are anxiety, exhaustion, and shame because of our insufficiency. And, yet, God calls us to rest; in fact, He commanded it.
Sabbath rest was once a community display of God’s provision. The community gathered weekly for worship and fellowship creating a guaranteed day off for both employees and employers and a set aside time to devote to family and friends. And, because Sabbath was celebrated collectively on the same day, they were also guaranteed the opportunity to gather together providing the nourishment of meaning found in relationships. However, in a desperate attempt to ensure perfect adherence to the law, religious leaders added stipulation after stipulation turning the day of rest into a burden; and, unfortunately, this burdensome approach is what appears to be most remembered. We consider the legalism and discipline of Sabbath over the peace that was intended. Jesus strongly spoke against this, but He did not speak against the Sabbath—He spoke against the ever multiplying rabbinic law manipulating rest into work, peace into judgment, and relationship into burden. Jesus’ life displayed a value of relationships, compassion, and rest; He often traveled far distances to visit someone in need, often poured long hours into caring for the hurting, and He also often retreated to desolate places to rest.
Rest is required for the body, mind, and soul. While this may appear to be a simple statement, the implication is a call to permit and pursue varying forms of rest to meet each of the dynamics. Our soul requires the rest available to us in the presence of God through prayer and worship; our minds require the opportunity to shed the worries of the day and celebrate life (Jesus participated in feasts and weddings); and the body needs a chance to regain its strength.
When the prophet Elijah was at his lowest point of desperation, spiritually depleted to the point of suicidality, he went to the desert and physically collapsed. For the next few days he was attended to by an angel who gave him food and water and guarded him while he slept. He was told to sleep because the journey was too much for him. (To read more see 1 Kings 19). Physical rest was essential to his emotional, mental, and spiritual restoration.
In a culture that multiplies demands upon our time and energy, that claims that only the lazy and uncommitted admit insufficiency, perhaps rest begins by saying no. Not every expectation can be met, not every deed can be done, not every demand can be satisfied (or at least not within imposed timeframes). Saying no creates space in our busy lives for necessary rest.