Genesis 2:2-4 The Importance of Work and Rest

Ever wondered where the notion of work and rest originated?  The short answer is that it did not begin with man.  Work is an institution established by God. He is the first to work and His work was done in perfection to His own satisfaction.  His work was purposeful and beneficial for mankind and man has been expected to work as well.  God also established the grace of rest in which He was the first to rest from His work.  Not because He was tired but because He had finished His creative work.  It was done!  However, He did begin another work from which He has not rested which is the grace of preserving and governing.