According to the United States Department of Labor’s website Labor Day, “is a creation
of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of
American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers
have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” Simply put it is
intended to be a day of rest and recognition to the American workforce.
The Christian too has a Labor Day. One in which we will receive a rest and recognition
for the faithful work we have done. When God completed his grand creation (Genesis
1-2) he rested on the seventh day and blessed and sanctified it as a day of rest. The
Hebrew writer says that there remains a rest for the children of God. “For he who has
entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us
therefore be diligent to enter that rest…” (Hebrews 4.10-11a).
Jesus calls us to this rest! “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11.28-29). But the ultimate rest here has reference to the eternal “Labor Day” of God’s children in his home. Sure Jesus took time to rest and relax while here on earth, but never was it for a protracted period. No in fact he said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4).
Notice what the voice from heaven said unto John, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who
die in the Lord from now on.’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their
labors, and their works follow them” (Revelation 14.13). But also pay close attention to
qualifying statement here “…who die in the Lord…” Those outside of Christ when death
comes will not enter His rest nor will they ever know rest, no not for eternity!
So just how is this to be accomplished? You must hear the word of God for “faith
comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10.17). For we know that
without faith it is impossible to please Him…” (Hebrews 11.6). We must be willing to
repent of a sinful life because God “…now commands all men everywhere to repent
(Acts 17:30). We must be willing to confess that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son
of God (Matthew 10.32-33). But none of these things have yet to say, nor do they ever
say, that they put us into Christ. So how is it that we get into Christ so that we may “die
in the Lord?” Notice carefully the inspired scripture of Galatians 3.27, “For as many of
you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
If you’ve not yet done these things, will you not do it now? God loves you and sent His
Son to die for you so that you might have this opportunity. He wants you to rest with
Him. And for those of us who are in Christ and long for that day of rest…Be Faithful!