Work and Rest - Genesis 2:2

Seek God Together

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether Today we will read Genesis 2:2 which says, “By the seventh day God completed His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done.” God is a hard worker. In the beginning He put in a long work week by creating the universe, plants, animals, and ultimately humanity. However He did it, and however long it took, and by who’s measure, is for Him to know and for us to worshipfully ponder. Whatever the case, He worked hard. And then, He rested. This pattern of work and rest serves as the basis for our work and rest rhythm. His work is spectacular, careful, artful, and precise. His work is thorough, unrelenting, and free of distraction. His work is pleasurable and good. Do you see your work like this? It is. Your work is meaningful and beautiful even if you don’t think it is. Ultimately our work is simply a human reordering of God’s creation. Perhaps you need to be reminded that what you do matters and how you do it matters. Your work matters. And then He rested. And He calls you to do the same. You are like Him. You are a creative. But you are not like Him in that you are a creature. You are dependent and He is not. You have needs and He has none. So the rest He offers is a gift that you desperately need. You need a day in which you unplug from your regular work. You need a Sabbath. So, where are you in your work and rest? You’re like everyone leaning in one of two unhealthy directions. Are you a workaholic? Is your phone always on? Do you see yourself as indispensable and therefore never take a day off? You’re only hurting yourself. The truth is, you are dispensable. Life will go on without you. Your great need is God. And His pattern requires you to turn your work off one day a week. Conversely, is your work dull? Is your attitude sour? Are you wasting your time or being lazy? Work is a gift and a way of cooperating with God’s good universe. It is a joy to be alive, and to use our bodies to do good things. So get to work. Or rest. Those are the options. “God everything You do is good. And I want to follow You in both my work and rest.”