Rest!

Rest!

Genesis 2:3 KJV

[3] And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

The context of the verse above is important. God, the Almighty, had just finished the work of creation. He had clear ideas of what each part of His creation would look like. He made land and sea animals, as well as the birds of the air, of various shapes, sizes and strength. He made the starry hosts; different lights to rule the day and others to rule the night, and he also made trees and vegetation. There was the amazing separation of land and sea, as well as the the creation of man in His own image and after His likeness. Reflect on the wisdom and tact needed to put each part in its rightful place, and to hold all together in place for as long as they have been. 

When you consider what the heavens and the earth look like now, you have to marvel at the wonders of God's wisdom in what He has done, how He has done it, and how He continues to hold everything together. He does not get tired or weary, and does not give up on His creation. He does not switch off or go to sleep, so it is amazing to read such a verse as the one above, where we are told that God rested from all the work He had done. Did God need rest, or is there a direct message in this for us? How would a God, who is nothing like man, who holds the whole world in His hands, and with the earth His footstool, ever need to rest? 

What does it mean to rest? It means 'to stop all physical or mental activity to regain strength, recover from tiredness, or heal. It can involve sleeping, sitting down, or simply taking a break from a demanding task'. Pause and reflect on the above: it is to stop for a moment, in order to recover and be restored. I am not sure the rule was directly relating to God alone, but it is a standard that has been laid down by Him for man's benefit. If the Almighty God, who does not grow weary, laid down a rule of rest, where He sanctified a day by resting from all the work of creation He had been doing, what would be my excuse for not taking time off to rest?

If the Lord God Almighty thought it fit to set aside one day for rest, we have been given a mandate to make sure we do the same, if we are truly His children. I just also note that it will be hypocrisy to take out a day of rest when no work has been done. It is not a religious matter; it is first and foremost a relationship matter. We follow the model of our Father; we work hard and also rest well. We do not work like people without hope; we know that it is not mere labour that blesses, but it is God who gives increase. Take time to work, but also devote the right time to rest. God is glorified by obedience and my body is also grareful for the break. Use all He has given wisely; God's time of favour is here.