THROUGHOUT Jesus’ ministry, he got into trouble with the religious leaders over how he lived. Despite living a perfect life, Jesus often got into trouble with them because his life didn’t conform to their “ideal.”  

One occasion was regarding the Sabbath – the Jewish Day of Rest. The religious leaders taught that no work could be done on the Sabbath. One Sabbath Jesus was walking through the wheat fields with his disciples during harvest, and they were hungry, so they took a little grain to eat as they walked. This got them into trouble because it was deemed, they “worked” by removing a couple of heads of wheat to eat.  

These prompted Jesus to say that the Sabbath was created for humanity, not humanity for the Sabbath.  

Through this, Jesus reminded the Pharisees that God created the Sabbath, and was the first to take one after creating the world, and everything within. Yet, the world didn’t end because God rested – it carried on. From this, we further learn that rest is woven into the fabric of the universe.  

Yet, resting is something that many of us find difficult to do well. 

Finding true rest involves discovering things that do not simply recharge the batteries but refuel the soul. Through true rest, fresh ideas are discovered to tackle the challenges we face, and new perspectives are gained on our lives.  

And yet, many of us rather than seeking this true rest, use our time off to catch up with all the jobs we didn’t have time to do such as batch-cooking, cleaning, and laundry. These jobs although worthwhile do not rejuvenate a tired soul. Rather, activities that bring joy rejuvenate a soul.  

What brings you joy and how to ensure you regularly do those activities? 

I love going to the coast on a day off, walking along the cliffs or the beach, eating good food, drinking excellent coffee; meeting God in all things.   

However, I do not do this as often as I would like because I struggle to do my household chores each week, so I spend my day off doing unjoyful things. I get a sense of satisfaction from this, but it is fleeting. One where I am left longing for more and by the time I have finished all my chores it is too late to go to the coast. 

This longing often catches up with me, and I find myself going to the coast even when I still have my chores to do because there is more to life than ensuring the wardrobe is full and the washing machine is empty.  

This reminds me of how Jesus asked the religious authorities whether: “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to save a life or to kill?”  

By not taking a proper Sabbath, I am slowly killing myself because I do not experience enough joy to sustain me in the troubles of life. Through regular Sabbaths, I will, hopefully, live a happier, healthier and longer life, and the same is true for you.

By Lewis Eden, Assistant Curate Crediton Parish Church