Leadership fatigue and the biblical Sabbath

Jim Farrer May 11, 2020

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The year 2020 is proving to be a time of great uncertainty. Both leaders in the workplace and in the church face increasing stress and anxiety.

Many have a desire to bring back “yesterday” and quickly return to normal. However, we are reminded by philosopher Paul Valery: “...the future is not what it used to be.”

Those who have been working overtime truly need a break. Many who have not been allowed to perform their regular jobs have not known “what to do with themselves.”

In recent decades certain careers (teachers, nurses, and clergy among others) have lobbied to receive sabbaticals. These stretches of time away from the workplace are intended for rest, retooling and recharging.

People often think of the biblical Sabbath as unbearably restrictive. But the Bible records at least seven reasons for and benefits of Sabbath keeping.

1. Rest

The most familiar Sabbath text is in the giving of the Ten Commandants (or more precisely described by Old Testament professor James Wharton as the ten “weighty” words) found in Exodus 20:8-11. The Sabbath command is the longest one making it, according to Jurgen Moltmann in God as Creator (p.285), the most important commandment.

Because God rested, we are to have a Sabbath rest and abstain from manual labor in order to gain strength for new efforts.

Dr. Laura Schlessinger and Rabbi Stewart Vogel remind us that the Sabbath is not primarily about time off. It is about sacred time (The Ten Commandments, p.126).

Entering into God’s rest is participating in God’s accomplishments of creation, covenant and care.

We should recall that some dictatorial government systems have refrained from giving citizen workers any days off since the needs of the state or the collective override rest for the individual. Without the influence of the Bible, there would be no days off, no real weekend.

2. Remembrance

The Ten Commandments are reiterated in Deuteronomy Chapter 5. In verses 12-15 Israel is to remember that they were slaves in Egypt and their God brought them to freedom. Keeping the Sabbath reminded them of their release from coerced production and should encourage us to treat others respectfully.

3. Relief and refreshment

Exodus 23:12 records that the benefits of observing the Sabbath are relief and refreshment.  Echoing French professor Jacques Ellul in What I Believe, this is a day for adoration, praise, freedom, joy and delight (p.165).  

4. Responding in worship

Leviticus 23:3 shares that proper Sabbath keeping is to respond appropriately in worship. This text is usually translated as holy convocation (ESV) or sacred assembly (NIV). Several Bible lexicons include in the etymology of the word “sabbath” the concept of celebration.

5. Resisting the culture

Old Testament professor Walter Brueggemann uncovers a fifth aspect of the Sabbath. Isaiah 56:2-8 reminds us to hold to the pattern of discerning when to resist the culture. This also includes past and current Jewish and Christian traditions. In particular, Isaiah says to resist the thought that we “insiders” are above “outsiders.”

6. “Rolling” the Sabbath

The Puritans received ridicule for their many rules for keeping the Sabbath or as one person has quipped about their practices: “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it gloomy.”

Professor Herbert W. Richardson in Toward an American Theology (p.155) asserts that it is often forgotten that a Puritan goal was that the Sabbath day would overflow into every day of the week. Thus all may delight in God’s presence and nearness at all times, may love the Lord as He loves us (John 15:15) and may mirror God’s compassion.

7. Rejoicing in the reward

John Calvin wrote that the seventh day is a testimony to grace (Institutes II. viii, 28-34. We are to stop working and allow the Creator God to work and uphold the universe and the future!

The Sabbath is a gift, and we should recognize that all days are hallowed. As Psalm 118:24 reveals: “This is the day that the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Hopefully you will avail yourself of these surprising biblical Sabbath resources.

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Jim Farrer is the founder of Vital Signs Church Consulting and a member of the Society for Church Consulting. A broadly-trained church consultant, Jim is also a veteran of ministry positions in Canada and the U.S., he has trained leaders from 18 denominations and led seminars and coaching sessions nationwide. His articles have been published in the Journal of Evangelism and Missions and the Great Commission Research Journal. You can reach him by e-mailing revup1@yahoo.com or calling 814 629-5211. Learn More »

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