Labor Day thoughts

I woke up this morning thinking "this is Labor Day weekend!" hum...most people are either refraining from working as in taking a break from their labors, or they are having to continue their regular labor because they were scheduled to work during some or all of this weekend, or they are laboring in something that they want to do instead of something they have to do in order to provide for their families' needs...

Deep thoughts today my friends.

I thought of when my boys were little and I was trying to teach them about working. I'd often quote (with my own spin) 2Thesalonians 3:10 if any would not work, neither should they eat. So I'd tell them that they needed to make their beds before coming to breakfast!

Then I thought of a song, which I'll share at the end of the post...and then I decided to do a little word search in the Bible (online) on the topic of labor and work...Almost 200 references! Ranging from labor meaning work, to labor as in a woman with labor pains... Here's a few that I gathered, including the proper context for the scripture I shared with my boys... I hope that these will thought provoking for you as you prepare to enjoy this Labor Day weekend...

2 Thessalonians 3 6-13

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; 9 not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example. 10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.

Exodus 34:21

Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.

Proverbs 6:6-8

Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise, 7 Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler, 8 Prepares her food in the summer And gathers her provision in the harvest.

Ephesians 4:28

28 He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need

I Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Proverbs 16:3

Commit your works to the LORD And your plans will be established.

Matthew 11:28 – 30

Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke on you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Psalm 128: 1-2

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. 2You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Revelation 2:2

I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you can not bear them which are evil: and you have tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars:

John 6:27 "Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal."

Isaiah 3:10

10 Tell the righteous that blessings will come to them. They will taste the fruit of their labor.

And here's the song I've been humming all morning...if you click on this website where I found the words you can also hear the music..

John 9:4 We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.

We’ll Work Till Jesus Comes:
Words Elizabeth K Mills (1805-1829)

Music William Miller, 19^th Century

O land of rest, for thee I sigh!
When will the moment come
When I shall lay my armor by
And dwell in peace at home?

Refrain

We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
And we’ll be gathered home.

To Jesus Christ I fled for rest;
He bade me cease to roam,
And lean for comfort on His breast
Till He conduct me home.

Refrain

I sought at once my Savior’s side;
No more my steps shall roam.
With Him I’ll brave death’s chilling tide
And reach my heav’nly home.