We continue with examining what can be called 'the Discipline of the Body'. We have suggested that to maximise the use of our physical resources we should eat right and exercise right. In addition, it is important to rest, that is, we should rest right.
Rest Right.
Where possible, sleep enough hours each night to allow the body to recover from the exertions of the day. Proper rest is not wasting time - it is a vital ingredient in the management of your physical resources. And, if possible, rise early in the morning and begin serving the Lord while you are still fresh. When God gave a task to Abraham the patriarch "rose up early in the morning" (Gen.22:3) to fulfil it. Give God the best hours of the day. And take a holiday now and again. These periods of rest and recreation can be used to sharpen up for God. You will accomplish more for the Saviour if you are not always tired. Joshua's army did not travel from battle to battle, but after each victory returned to Gilgal to rest and recover, where they cleaned their armour and sharpened their swords.During a study of the ministry of the Messiah I thought it would be helpful if I used Watchman Nee's three key words, 'Sit, Walk, Stand', albeit in a slightly different way, to divide up the ministry of the Saviour. The amount of the gospels that is devoted to the Saviour's ministry while He was seated is quite a large percentage. For example, it would include the Sermon on the Mount and the Upper Room Discourse.
Edwin R. Roberts of Princeton Seminary once sat under a pastor who concluded his announcements, "I am not going to take a vacation this summer; the devil never does!" Roberts went home and re-read the Gospels to see what Jesus' attitude is. He found that of the Saviour's three years' active ministry, there were mentioned ten periods of retirement. Whose example are we following - Jesus' or the Devil's?
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