Week 6: Jesus, I Am Resting

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Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42 (ESV)

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We live in a world that is fascinated with busyness. We idolize people who work long and hard, often at the expense of their physical and mental health. We tend to admire people who insist on living a frenetic lifestyle, often at the expense of their peace and joy. We indulge in the so-called “hustle culture,” a new name for an old trend: overworking and constant busyness for the sake of respect or gain.

This has been a trend in humanity, ever since the Industrial Revolution. We are simply infatuated with busyness. Having five meetings a day on top of long hours of office work seems to be a great way to gain respect. Each person’s inherent value is measured only by their workplace performance and perceived productivity.

This is such a strong current in society that we begin to assume that it is a biblical virtue! But the Bible does not share this fascination with busyness. We must be quick to clarify, of course, that the Bible does condemn laziness. Sloth is repeatedly condemned, and Christians are expected to not idle away their days (2 Thess. 3:6). Likewise, work is encouraged, and we are to give our all for Christ.

However, just because productivity is important to God does not mean the same for busyness. The frenzy of work and constant anxiety for more work causes more harm than good, for ourselves and for the people around us. Is it truly worth it to work that extra hour, knowing you will be agitated and irritable with your family when you get home?

If scientists and psychologists who do not know Christ know that overworking is ultimately corrosive to human life, what more for God’s own children? We are especially blessed with knowing and appreciating the virtue of rest because of multiple reasons.

First of all, we rest because we know God values rest. After six days of creation, the God who knows no weakness rested, because He knows it is important. This same God directly commanded His people to rest, in the form of Sabbath days and Sabbath years! Rest is not an option for God’s people, but a direct order! Also, Jesus Himself offers rest for those who labor and are heavy laden. Our God Himself values rest!

Secondly, we rest because we trust in our Father. Jesus Himself declared that the Father who feeds the birds of the air and clothes the flowers of the field will take care of us. Why then do we fret? We are children of the eternal Father, and we can rest knowing He takes care of us. The very reason God commanded Sabbath is because He knows people naturally overwork out of worry or greed! But we rest because we know that God has everything in His hands, and thus do not need to be anxious.

The modern Christian often idealizes Mary but imitates Martha.  We know that Jesus made it clear that Mary chose the better portion, because she decided to rest at Jesus’ feet to listen to Him and commune with Him. Yet, we do not learn to rest! Tragically, sometimes we apply our overworking to ministry, and burn ourselves out doing things for God instead of spending time with Him. What a pointless misunderstanding of Jesus’ priorities.

Rest, my friend. We serve a God of rest. He wants us to be still and commune with Him. Indeed, work hard for His glory. Indeed, work hard for your families. But busyness is not a biblical virtue; rest is.

Our God has you in His hands. Rest.