"God’s Labor Day"

By:   Pastor Milton Coats

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The month of September was entered on a federal holiday called Labor Day.  Labor Day had its origin in the late 19^th century during what was known as the Industrial Revolution.  This was a period of hard working conditions and low wages for many workers.  Labor Day began as a movement to honor the contributions of workers.  The first Labor Day parade took place on September 5, 1882 in New York City as a result.  After several states and cities recognized the day, President Grover Cleveland signed it into law as a federal holiday in 1894.  The holiday was established to pay tribute to the significant contributions of American workers to the country’s strength and prosperity.  For many, Labor Day marks the symbolic end of summer and is celebrated with family gatherings or just simply relaxing and enjoying a day of rest.  These are a few facts as it relates to secular Labor Day.

The Bible has something to say about Labor Day from a spiritual standpoint.  In Genesis 2:2, 3 the scripture says “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.  And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made”.  Here it is stated God after six days of creation work rested on the seventh day. Why did God rest?  Was he tired?  No, God did not rest because he was tired!  Isaiah 40:28 says “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding”.

God rested not from fatigue, but from achievements.  He had completed his work and was refreshed.  He rested because there was nothing else to do.  I believe God was also establishing a principle in man’s life.  Man should one day in six days pause, rest, be refreshed and reflex upon his creator, God Almighty!

In the New Testament, Jesus, God’s son invites all to not just a day, but a life of rest.  In Matthew 11:28, 29, Jesus said “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls”.  Beloved, there is rest for the weary in Christ!