Rest from Our Labors

“This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.”
(1 Timothy 4:9-10)
 
This coming weekend includes Labor Day, which originated in the organized labor movements of the 1880s and is celebrated, according to the U. S. Department of Labor, so “that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.” Of course, American workers who are Christian recognize that strength, freedom, leadership, and labor itself are not, in fact, ultimately human achievements, but gifts of the true Creator! So how do we celebrate this politically generated and self-congratulatory day? Much the same way we celebrate every weekend. We pay tribute to the Creator, who in a wonderful act of generosity on the seventh day of creation rested from His labors in order to give us the weekend! We give thanks, not only for the gift of meaningful work, but for the most meaningful work of all: the work of redemption accomplished for us on the cross by Christ!  We pray for God’s Spirit to strengthen our labors and grant success to our striving, that our hope in the salvation of the living God might spread to every person on earth in preparation for the end of all labors!
 
Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your labors on our behalf in the creation and redemption You freely give to us. Through Your Spirit strengthen our faith and sharpen our minds that our labors and striving might enable others to find eternal freedom, in Jesus’ name, amen.
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IN HONOR OF LABOR DAY—Signs Seen at Businesses:

On a Handyman's truck: "We repair what your husband fixed."
 
On an Electrician's truck: "Let us remove your shorts."
 
On a Plumber's truck: "Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber."
 
On a Tow Truck: "We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows."
 
On a Septic Tank Truck: "We're #1 in the #2 business."
 
At a Chicago Radiator Shop: "Best place in town to take a leak."
 
At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee: "Invite us to your next blowout."
 
Outside a Muffler Shop: "No appointment necessary. We hear you coming."
 
At a Car Dealership: "Get back on your feet - miss a car payment!"
 
In a Podiatrist's office: "Time wounds all heels."
 
At a Plastic Surgeon's: "Hello. Can we pick your nose?"
 
At an Optometrist's: "Don't see what you're looking for? You're in the right place."
 
At a Proctologist's: "To expedite your visit please back in."
 
On a Maternity Room door: "Push. Push. Push."
 
In a Taxidermist's window: "We really know our stuff."
 
In a Veterinarian's waiting room: "Back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!"
 
At the Electric Company: "We’ll be delighted if you pay on time. If not, you’ll be."
 
In a Restaurant window: "Don't stand there hungry. Come in and get fed up."
 
In the front yard of a Funeral Home: "Drive carefully. We'll wait."
 
At a Propane Filling Station, "Tank heaven for little grills."

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The Lord bless all your labors this week!

Pastor Kirk