For a long time now—to this very day—you have not deserted your fellow Israelites but have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you.
Joshua 22:3

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READ: Joshua 22:1–9

The proverb, “Many hands make light work,” dates back hundreds of years. Playwright, musician, and author John Heywood first penned this expression in 1538, in his book, Proverbs. Other common expressions credited to Heywood include “Make hay while the sun shines,” “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” and “Love me, love my dog”! But it’s his “many hands” proverb that has been a welcomed tool for countless bosses, team leaders, and parents who want everyone to understand that things are easier when we all pitch in.

Joshua leaned into this sentiment (though not with these words) back in Joshua 1, when the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had already taken possession of the land Moses gave them, east of the Jordan River. Their work was done, right? Wrong. Their hands (and swords) were still needed. In fact, they would lead the way. Joshua commanded, “All your fighting men, ready for battle, must cross over ahead of your fellow Israelites. You are to help them until the Lord gives them rest, as he has done for you” (1:14b–15a). Even though they had already secured their own home territories, they were part of a bigger family—the entire nation of Israel. This was no time to think only of themselves; they must add their hands to lighten the work of the other tribes.

Many years and countless battles later, once everyone’s land was settled, Joshua assured them they had earned that rest: “For a long time now—to this very day—you have not deserted your fellow Israelites but have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you. Now that the Lord your God has given them rest as he promised, return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan” (22:3–4). Their mission was complete. It was time to rest.

A STORY OF THEN & NOW

Plan for Rest | Todd E. | Willow Huntley

I’ve spent a good chunk of my life in church production—lighting, sound, video, set design, and more—and if you’ve ever served in that space—especially during Christmas—you get it. I even wrote a book called I Love Jesus, But I Hate Christmas. It’s a title that captures what so many of us in tech feel: we love Jesus deeply, but the pressure, the hours, and the constant demands of the season (any given season, not just Christmas) can leave us spiritually and physically drained.

For all churches, Christmas means go time. I remember one year actually working on Christmas Day. I was proud of the work we did, and the service itself was deeply meaningful. But over the years, I learned that completing what God has asked you to do also means learning to receive the rest He offers.

I didn’t always get that right. And there are still seasons that require more time than others. But what I’ve realized is that I cannot lead well if I do not rest well. God has led me to pace myself—not to stop the work, but to steward my calling with intention.

So now, I plan rest as intentionally as I plan the production schedule. For example, in anticipation of a season like Christmas, I’ll sit down in October, look at the calendar, and say, “Okay, here’s when we’ll rehearse, and here are the days we’re doing nothing.” As a leader, I’ve also learned to be strategic with my team’s time: proactively scheduling time off before the chaos begins, not after we’ve all burned out.

How I handle rest is a lot like how I handle what you might call “quiet time.” It’s up to me to make sure I take the time to sit with God and my Bible. Both require intentionality, and both offer the reward of a settled soul and a deeper connection with God. Well worth the investment.

DID YOU KNOW?

The tribes east of the Jordan returned to their homes with two rewards for their diligence and faithfulness to God. The first was payment in the form of plunder: “Return to your homes with your great wealth—with large herds of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze and iron, and a great quantity of clothing—and divide the plunder from your enemies with your fellow Israelites” (22:8). They were to share the wealth. The second reward was Joshua’s public blessing—his words of affirmation for a job well done. After many years of bloodshed and being separated from their wives and kids, Joshua’s praise was the perfect way to end their journey—and begin their well-earned rest.

A PRAYER

God, what would You like “rest” to look like for me—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? Give me the discipline to embrace a season of rest after a job well done. Amen.

FOR REFLECTION

Share about a time you replenished after a job well done. How did you rest physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually?

Is it easy or hard for you to rest? Why? What is one step you could take to embrace rest in a healthy way?