The Literal Commandment
On this same day you shall make a proclamation as well; you are to have a holy convocation. You shall do no laborious work. It is to be a perpetual statute in all your dwelling places throughout your generations.(Leviticus 23:21)
The literal commandment is that we should do no laborious work on the fiftieth day after Passover: the Feast of Weeks (in Hebrew called Shavuot).
Messiah Says
Messiah implicitly affirmed this commandment when He spoke about the Law:
"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-19)
Pictures of Messiah
This commandment to "rest" provides a picture of resting and ceasing from our labors while G-d performs His work of salvation: His initial work of physical salvation for the Jews from Egypt (Exodus 14:13) and His final work of spiritual salvation for all who are His in the work of Messiah (Hebrews 4:10).
The specific "work" of G-d tied to the Feast of Weeks is two-fold:
First: the giving of G-d's Holy Law at Mt Sinai.
Second: the giving of G-d's Holy Spirit in Jerusalem.
G-d's work in giving us His Spirit enables us to obey His Law (Ezekiel 11:19-20).
How Messiah Fulfilled
Messiah fulfilled this commandment by resting on the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot).
Traditional Observance
The traditional observance of this commandment involves abstaining from the forms of work which are traditionally prohibited on the weekly Sabbath. There is no indication that naps or other forms of sleep or rest are required.
Other Notes
We are able to fulfill this commandment and should not do prohibited labor on the Feast of Weeks/Shavuot.
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