“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8).

Rest is an act of war against the powers of chaos.

That’s a pretty strong statement. Perhaps some of you think it’s too much. Or, perhaps, just maybe, it’s right on the money?

Life can get crazy. So can the world. Rest isn’t optional for a warrior preparing for battle. He or she needs to be at their best to face the enemy. 

So why are we so reluctant to take rest seriously?

After all, life is a battle, isn’t it? And I don’t use the word ‘battle’ lightly. Paul tells us to put on armour (Ephesians 6:11). He tells Timothy to ‘fight’ the good fight of the faith (1 Timothy 6:12). We are spiritual warriors, marching in Christ’s army of grace and truth.

That’s one of the reasons why rest matters, and why it is an act of war against the powers of chaos. The powers of chaos want you distracted and tired. They want you confused and overwhelmed. Why? Because those things make you less effective as a warrior!

When you regularly observe Sabbath rest, you are more effective—not only for you, but for the people you care about, for the church, for your community, and for the kingdom.

Rest is an act of war against the powers of chaos.

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Notes:

-“The counter-cultural restoration of Sabbath rest one day a week.” Sermon. Click here.
-Bible quotes are from the NIV.