I grew up in an era where Sunday was a quiet day in the neighbourhood. Stores and businesses were, for the most part, closed. Industry was, for the most part, 6 days a week. Riding my bike, but being “quiet’ and “resting” in some way was certainly the theme. Naps were encouraged.

There were some strict rules over time. Some people would not use the stove, others would not garden, and some required everyone to be on their beds at some point, while not at church. What you did definitely had a pharisaical tone to it.

What is the real value of our Sabbath, and what is a healthy approach to “our rest”. If God rested on the seventh day, if He needed rest, why would you not assume we do too? I found some great reflections in Mark Buchanan’s book, The Rest of God.

But essentially, the words of Jesus give us a point of reference for our approach to this subject. Now remember that Jesus was speaking to the Jewish culture and practice.

“On the seventh day, God rests. Jewish texts prohibit thirty-nine specific acts during the Sabbath, acts traditionally associated with the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. If God could rest in creating the universe, God’s people could rest in the building of the sacred temple. Tasks such as sowing, plowing, reaping, threshing, and winnowing are prohibited, as are grinding, hunting and slaughtering, building, hammering, and transporting are among the prohibitions. But beyond the legalism is an idea that by saying no to making some things happen, deep permission arises for other things to happen. When we cease our daily labour, other things – love, friendship, prayer, touch, singing, rest – can be born in the space created by our rest. Walking with a friend, reciting a prayer, caring for children, sharing bread and wine with family and friends and neighbours – those are intimate graces that need precious time and attention.” – Sabbath by Wayne Muller

“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” – Matthew 6:21

So what we value is where we will invest. If we believe that breaking the grinding cycle of work is good for us, and if we see that we are better people when we take time to “res”…then we can grow in grace and be better people.

What gives you energy and life? Is walking in the woods? Is it sitting with a book and a good cup of coffee? Is it being with friends sharing a meal? Each of us will have a different answer.

But God is actually inviting us to look after ourselves through the offer of rest. How are you getting on with his offer?

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” – Jesus