Rest From Your Labors

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28, KJV

A Day of Rest
 
Today in America we celebrate Labor Day. Since 1894, the first Monday in September has been set aside to honor the American Labor Movement and the contributions American workers have made to this great nation. This is most widely commemorated by a long weekend, a day off from work; a day of rest.

A Better Rest

As much as I respect and benefit from what has been accomplished by dedicated men and women of the workforce in days both past and present, I understand and believe that a better rest has been promised to me, and all others who would come to Christ. This promised rest is not only for a day, not only once a year, but every day, every moment. More importantly, this promised rest is not only of the body, but of the mind, spirit, and soul. That is the kind of rest I need!

Jesus calls to those who labor, those who are heavy laden. Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever felt that all you do is work, work, work, and never have time to rest? I don't only mean 16 hour days at your occupation. I mean all of your work. Your job, your home, your children . . . all these things are work. Then there are the stresses of life: Finances; family; health . . . the list goes on and on. These, also, are labors. And there comes a time when we all need a break.

Accept Christ's Offered Rest

Sometimes we, or at least I, seem to think we have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. We somehow get the idea that I am the only one who can do this, or If I don't do it, no one else will. Sometimes that is true, but do you realize that you can do nothing on your own? Nothing worthwhile, at least.

In John 15:5, Jesus says, "Apart from me you can do nothing." Yet, in Philippians 4:13 Paul says, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." And then we have the words of Jesus mentioned above: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Do you see the pattern?

Apart from Christ we can do nothing, with Him we can accomplish anything, and through Him we are promised rest. Can you think of a better work environment than that? For me, that's the kind of deal I can't refuse.