God is not a “taskmaster”. He established the pattern of regular weekly rest by his example following creation (Genesis 2:2), but also by prescription to his people: “six days shall you labour (cf: Exodus 20:9; Lev 23:3).” Jesus also spoke of the need for periodic rest following labour, teaching his disciples to: “ ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. (Mark 6:31-32)”