God’s people were taken into exile, not just because of their disobedience, but specifically because they refused to rest. The Sabbath was never meant to be just another religious obligation—it was a gift, a rhythm designed to bring life, renewal, and trust in God’s provision. When we neglect rest, we don’t just burn ourselves out; we also fail to create space for God to move.

As churches, we must ask: Are we operating like an empire, driven by busyness, efficiency, and endless meetings? Or are we living as shepherds in the field, creating a space where people can truly encounter God? It’s easy to mistake activity for fruitfulness, but from the very beginning, God’s heart was for His people to walk in balance—working diligently but also ceasing, reflecting, and worshiping.

Take a look at your ministry. Are your gatherings hurried and packed with obligations, or do they allow room for the Spirit to move? When people enter your sanctuary, do they feel like they are stepping into a place of peace, or just another demanding space?

God’s discipline often involved leading His people into exile—into foreign empires of relentless work and efficiency—because they refused to rest. Let’s not build ministries that mirror Babylon. Instead, let’s be a people who shepherd well, who prioritize rest, and who trust that when we cease, God continues to work.