Today’s Reading, Leviticus 22-23
Focal Scripture: Leviticus 23:3 “Work may be done for six days, but on the seventh day there is to be a Sabbath of complete rest, a sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; it is a Sabbath to the Lord wherever you live.”
I have a hard time with rest in my life. Now don’t get me wrong, I take days off. I even have time to relax and participate in activities I enjoy. However, I rarely find time to rest. This is a distinction that must be made because time off work does not mean you are resting biblically. I know when I was in full time ministry, I had a very difficult time with this truth. Even on my days off I was thinking about ministry. The next sermon, event, activity, or even working on the calendar that was planned a year in advance. My mind never turned off which meant my body was always in work mode.
In today’s reading God addresses biblical rest. He says that work is to be done for six days but the seventh day should be one of complete rest. Not partial rest but complete rest. This is rest for mind, soul, and body. A rest that focuses on the Lord and nothing else. The Lord knows that this type of rest reignites and reenergizes a person spiritually. It shows that the world will get along without us having to work. Our only responsibility on our Sabbath day is to take time with the Lord. That day is all about him and our worship.
If you are like me it might be difficult to find time to rest. One thing I have done in my new job is limit when I am working. I do not have email on my phone. I do not respond to messages that are not urgent. I also do not talk about work when I am not at work with my family or friends. Why? Because if I go down that path, I will think of things that have to get done and I will never relax.
People in ministry are the worst about relaxing. They are on call 24/7 and most churches and pastors believe that people should have access to you at all times, for any reason. I once had to cancel a gathering with friends and family because a person in leadership said I had to attend a fundraiser that came up at the very last minute. This did not require my attention all day. I was going to get it set up and then come back and check on everyone later in the day.
To make this clear the fundraiser was a last minute opportunity that conflicted with previous plans of rest and fellowship. The other leaders were fine with handling the fundraiser. However, this leader said I had to stay the entire time and my plans that were made for months had to be canceled. This person didn’t understand rest and they also didn’t protect staffs time with family.
Biblical rest only happens when it is intentional and purposeful. It only happens when it is made a priority. So what about you? Do you make rest a priority or is work more important than finding times to unplug. If it is, we are violating a scriptural command that is meant to nurture our souls.
Let’s do better at rest and at worship. It will change our personal lives and our family lives. Unplug from the noise and focus on God above all else.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Leviticus 24-25
