I’ve always found it a bit ironic that we have a national holiday called “Labor Day.” I know it has to do with labor unions and showing appreciation for those who work hard doing important jobs that, frankly, many people would rather not do; but I still think it is an interesting name for a holiday. While work is a part of life (and a blessed one at that!), I am so thankful that we do not need to labor for our salvation.
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus proclaims, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Jesus’ teaching was a refreshing change from the high-pressure, highly-legalistic teaching of the Pharisees that was virtually impossible to maintain. Rather, Jesus offers us rest from our striving to earn salvation because He came to fulfill the Law and its requirements so that we could be declared righteous by His shed blood. Now, rather than laboring for ourselves, we can find joy in laboring for the Lord and His Kingdom!
Blessings,
Pastor Zach