Remember, the Christian calendar is like no other. Certain ancient calendars had no day of rest. The West typically follows a five-plus-two calendar: work five days, then enjoy a two-day weekend. The Jewish calendar is similar, with a six-plus-one pattern: “Six days you shall labor,” then Israel rested. By contrast, the Christian calendar is one plus six. We start each week with rest and worship. Reclining in the finished work of Christ is the starting point for each week. It’s an idea we need recapture today.

One year ago, I spoke at a conference overseas. The people and the event were wonderful, but on the long overnight journey home, two babies wailed intermittently. My seatmate watched movies all night, waving her arms and bumping me whenever she got excited.

My tracker said I didn’t sleep at all, but I thought I’d napped for 30 minutes, so I didn’t change my regular schedule for the next day. As I drove to seminary for an early class, I was so foggy, I sailed past the exit I take every day.

So it goes with conscientious folk, who suspect the universe will disintegrate if they skip a duty. And such are some of you, particularly if you are a pastor or work in some other sort of ministry.

We know the coronavirus pandemic has deprived more than 30 million workers of their jobs. Many of the employed work far less than before as businesses stay open, but only marginally. On the other hand, millions work far longer or under tougher conditions. Consider the drivers, IT experts, teachers, nurses, pastors, and counselors who work harder than ever before: you need to rest, especially if you are the type—like many pastors—who acts as if rest were for other people.

Time to Rest Now

No doubt, the people who depend on you are glad you toiled ceaselessly through the opening phase of the pandemic.

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