Man has found hundreds of things to commemorate from “Towel Day” in May to “National Ice Cream Day” in July. In fact there is even a “National Ice Cream Sandwich Day” in August. Does that sound frivolous to you? Not all commemorated days are so lighthearted. For instance take “Memorial Day” where we take time to honor the fallen soldiers who fought for our freedom on foreign and domestic soil. Today I would like to ponder the upcoming day commemorated to give us rest from our labors, “Labor Day”.
Labor Day is a holiday that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers. It was first nationally recognized in 1894 to placate unionists following the Pullman Strike. Following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. Military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike, the United States Congress unanimously voted to approve rush legislation that made Labor Day a national holiday and it was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland just six days after the end of the strike. The legislation set the celebration activities as follows: A street parade was given to exhibit the strength and spirit of the people in the labor organizations followed by a festival for the workers and their families including speeches by prominent men and women. Today the holiday is generally viewed as time to celebrate a break (rest) from labor, for barbeques, end of summer vacations, and the starting of the school year.
The importance of resting and commemorating rest from labor is not originally man’s idea. It was first recognized by God in that He rested after creating the earth and universe (Genesis 2:2). He then set apart one day a week to commemorate the completion of creation and established it as a day of rest (Genesis 2:3). He also promised His rest to us (Hebrews 4) when we believe and rely on Him, unlike the Israelites who harden their hearts and did not enter into the rest He prepared for them (Hebrews 3:11).
“Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter that rest of God, to know and experience it for ourselves, that no one may fall or perish by the same kind of unbelief and disobedience into which those in the wilderness fell.” – Hebrews 4:11 AMP
As we celebrate this extended weekend with our families, let us remember to thank God for the rest He provides even in the midst of the turmoil this world exhibits.
