But obeying the intent of this commandment is as important and life giving as it was for the Jews, in our present culture of overload and stress. We're all aware that our culture rewards overwork, and even being addicted to work. They want their workers to be able to drop everything, and everyone, to fly off on an assignment at a moment's notice. Whatever job we have, we know that our work will never be completed. Therefore we can't wait until it's finished to give ourselves permission to rest.
Work is obviously a necessary and an important part of life.
But it's not the whole of life, nor is it the most important part of life. God knows that, even when we don't. That's why he included this directive in his rule- book of how to play the game of life. Time for renewal and refreshment, rest and restoration, on a regular weekly basis. You know, that's also counter cultural.