His Labor Day

LABOR

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines it as “an expenditure of physical or mental effort especially when difficult or compulsory.” 

Day in and day out men and women labor in offices, construction sites, classrooms, automotive repair shops, restaurants, factories, military bases, and retail stores.  People handle finances, build structures, manage employees, and write reports.  The varied types of labor are almost beyond estimation.  Annually, the first Monday in September is the day our nation sets aside to acknowledge the labor of its citizens.

In 1894 after strikes, protests, and demonstrations by tens of thousands of American workers from the previous decade — to protest 12 hour work days, seven days a week — the United States Congress established Labor Day.  It is set aside as an opportunity to honor the dignity and effort of the labor of American workers.  A day of rest is given to laborers all over the country to acknowledge and be reminded of their contribution to the success and building of America.

If we spend a day each year to acknowledge the labor of American workers, maybe everyday should be Labor Day for the believer.  Almost 2000 years ago, for a full day, Jesus Christ expended some of the most intense and excruciating labor ever put forth by any man in history.  From an abduction in the middle of the night, Christ labored through a false trial, multiple beatings, verbal cursings, sleeplessness, blood loss, intense pain, humiliating crucifixion, and an intensely final death where he cried, “It is finished…!” then “Into Thy hands I commit my Spirit.” 

This labor Christ expended was awful, immense, and…yet…eternal.  Christ’s labor on the cross was given that men and women throughout history might have eternal life.  On this Labor Day, how about taking some time to praise the Savior of Man for His labor expended for us.  And…maybe…just maybe…it could be time for you to yield to the Savior who labored for your forgiveness and eternal life.