Dear Friends,
Labor Day is just around the corner. For many, Labor Day weekend signals the end of summer and an opportunity to host a barbecue or relax with family and friends. But this national holiday—celebrated every year in the United States and Canada on the first Monday in September—has revolutionary origins.
Originally commemorated through parades, political speeches, and labor union activities, Labor Day was born amid rising unrest over oppressive working conditions—and a massive strike that threatened to turn violent. By the late 19th century, the Industrial Revolution had made working life miserable for people around the world. In many places, workers toiled for at least 12 hours a day six days a week in mines, factories, railroads, and mills. Children were especially exploited as cheap laborers.
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union, and 10,000 workers marched from City Hall all the way to 42nd Street and then met with their families in Wendel’s Elm Park for a picnic, concert, and speeches.
Last Sunday in our study in John we ended with these verses, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.” For this reason, therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.” John 5:17-18
Our God never stops working because He never grows tired or weary like us. He does not need a day off. If you are a Christ follower, then know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is working in your life to will and to work for His good pleasure.
I hope that you are not trying to work for your salvation. It will wear you out because our good works are like filthy rags. We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who is at work in you. Believe it and cooperate with Him.
This Sunday we will be examining John 5:17-24. Jesus makes some outlandish claims about who He is, why He came, what He is doing and what He promises to do. What if what He said is all true? The implications are staggering. Our Lord said in John 6:27, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”
Our Father longs to give good gifts to His precious children. Rest in His person, power, purpose, and promises.
Because He is for us,
Glen