A Day Free From Labor

For our United States readers, today is a day meant to honor the social and economic achievements of those who are working, and for many, it is celebrated by a day of rest. However, it does not mean that we can’t apply the concept of Labor Day to the born-again followers of Jesus Christ. Which is why today, we are going to pause our study of the book of Genesis and see how all followers of Jesus Christ can benefit from understanding where we find our rest.

It is important to understand that when we are constantly trying to work to deserve our faith, we will never measure up, and this will mean that we are always physically and spiritually exhausted. The only way to find true rest is to place the faith of our salvation onto Jesus Christ. Matthew 11:28 “28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” We cannot work to make ourselves “good enough” for God; the only one who can do that is Jesus Christ.

This is not to say that our faith will not be acknowledged because of our works. In fact, works are what allows the world to see that we are set apart because of Jesus Christ. James 2:17 “17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” However, the difference is that our works no longer benefit ourselves; they are meant to glorify God. Colossians 3:23-24 “23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

So today, I ask that you take a moment and examine two things. First, examine if you are truly receiving rest in your works or if you find yourself more and more tired. Second, examine who the works are for. How you answer these two questions will determine how you are walking with God.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

Jl