Subversive Sabbath: The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop World

by A.J. Swoboda

Martin Luther writes of Sabbath, “The spiritual rest which God especially intends in this commandment is that we not only cease from our labor and trade but much more—that we let God alone work in us and that in all our powers we do nothing of our own.”32

The Sabbath is God’s stand against the tyranny of always having to say yes.

Corrie ten Boom once wrote, “If the devil cannot make us bad, he will make us busy.”3

Sitting there, it dawned on me that were I to cheat on my wife, I would lose my job. If I stole from the church, I would be run out of town. If I lied about the church finances, I would be in huge trouble. If I worshiped another god, I’d be removed. There are nine commandments that, if I chose to break, I might lose my ministry over. But if I did not keep a Sabbath day, I would probably get a raise.

In our technological society, being connected to the internet often distracts us from opportune times to be connected to Christ in relationship. We surround ourselves with devices that help us connect with other people and websites anywhere and at any time. We keep up with the Kardashians better than we do the Holy Spirit.

The words of Nelson Mandela ring true: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”