The first chapter of the Bible provides a poetic and theological account of God’s design of the universe and humanity. Six days of creative work followed by one day of rest, establishing a Sabbath Rhythm for flourishing. We were designed for both work and rest.
I have been reflecting on something highlighted in Subversive Sabbath by A.J. Swoboda and in a sermon at our church. If humanity was created on day 6, then their first full day of existence was an invitation to rest. Read that again—rest was first. Rest was meant to be the place from which everything else flows.
Swaboda writes:
“The biblical creation account essentially served as a theological rebuttal of all the other “gods” who never allowed anyone to rest. In a restless world, Yahweh required rest. Again, imagine what kind of first impression that would have given to an ancient person’s understanding of Yahweh. The God of Scripture not only rests himself but invites the world to rest with him.” (pg. 9-10)
The creation story was radical compared to the other ancient creation myths. Instead of humanity being created for what they could provide for the gods, with no inherent value outside of their production, it was astounding to read that men and women are not onlyimage-bearers, but spent their first day accomplishing and producing absolutely nothing.
Two things stand out to me.
- First, this reality flips the script of how I approach life. I normally think of the gift of rest as a reward at the end of six days of work. Yet that is the pattern that God followed. For humanity, it was six days of work flowing out of the original day of rest. Our rest fuels our work. Our “doing” is a natural response to our “being.”
How does that change my view of work? How does that shift my approach to Sabbath and my weekly schedule?
- Second, the reason humanity’s first day could be rest is because of the work God had already done – which was declared good. Our rest is anchored in what He has already accomplished and will continue to complete within us and around us.
We can rest because of the work Christ has done. We work from that rest. Therefore, our work is rooted in the work of Christ. We do not need to prove anything, but can give our gifts and passions and work ethic in gratitude for what God has done.
That has really helped my view of Sabbath. I don’t see it as a break for the weak, or an optional thing, but a chance to center myself in the story of God working in and through me.
How do I partner with God’s Kingdom work? It starts with rest.
God desires for us to work hard and rest well, all as a response to who He is and what He has done.
What an amazing invitation!