Get Some Rest

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. -Hebrews 4:9-11 (NIV)

"Mommy," said the little boy. "Why does the pastor get a month's vacation in the summer when you and Daddy only gets three weeks?"

"Well, son," answered Mommy, "if he's a good minister, he needs it. If he isn't, the congregation needs it!"

I was watching a television show last night about a counselor who led a group of his clients in sleep-deprivation therapy. His thought was that, when people are deprived of sleep, it's like truth serum: they let their guards down and say what they are truly thinking and feeling. If he could get to the core of what people really think and feel, perhaps he could help his clients.

Of course, this was a comedy show and you can imagine how funny things can get when a group of strange people go three days without sleep. The participants ended up saying things that they shouldn't have said. They ended up doing things that they shouldn't have done. They ended up neglecting things that were important and doing things that were not important. By the end of the experience, the group realized more than ever the importance of rest.

Rest is important. You know you need it. And God knows you need it. That's why God modeled that we rest. That's why God commanded that we observe Sabbath. It's not a suggestion.

But this rest, this Sabbath, is more than just finding time to lay out by the pool or spending a weekend in the mountains. It's also being intentional about listening to God, admiring the handiwork of God, and drawing closer to God. While you're out by the pool, why not listen to Christian music? When you're on a deck overlooking the Smokeys, why not read a book about faith or discipleship? Limiting your intake of godly things to one or two hours on Sunday morning is like limiting your sleep to one or two hours a night. You can probably survive, but it won't be easy.

If you go too long without God-time, much like if you go too long without good sleep, you'll be more likely to say things that you shouldn't say and do things that you shouldn't do. You'll be more likely to neglect some important things and devote too much time to things that aren't important. If you make ample time for rest and ample time for spiritual growth, you'll feel better and you'll make better decisions.

May God grant you the grace to find to some Sabbath time and rest-time this weekend.

If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, here are the suggested readings for this weekend:

Saturday: Hosea 13-14, Psalm 100, and Hebrews 5.

Sunday: Micah 1-4 and Hebrews 6.

Monday: Micah 5-7 and Hebrews 7.