For most of us here in the United States, this day signals the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year, as well as a day off work. It is often celebrated with parades and picnics, but many don't realize how this day came to be a federal holiday.
The US Department of Labor says Labor Day "is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."
Labor Day sounds pretty innocuous until you do some further investigation into the origins of this holiday, which includes union-led riots and bloodshed (check it out at HISTORY.com, the official website of the History Channel).
Though I understand that the "labor" in Labor Day is a reference to both workers and organized labor (i.e. unions), the name of this holiday has always seemed to me to be somewhat of a misnomer.
Labor Day is day off from labor, not a day to labor; in other words, a day of rest.
The writer to the Hebrews spoke of another kind of rest, a rest far better than an extra day off work, a rest made possible by sacrifice.
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. -Hebrews 4:1-3
What is this rest God has promised to those who believe?
The following is a selection from Matthew Henry's commentary on Hebrew 4 (emphasis mine).
"The privileges we have under the gospel, are greater than any had under the law of Moses, though the same gospel for substance was preached under both Testaments.
There have been in all ages many unprofitable hearers; and unbelief is at the root of all unfruitfulness under the word. Faith in the hearer is the life of the word. But it is a painful consequence of partial neglect, and of a loose and wavering profession, that they often cause men to seem to come short.
Let us then give diligence, that we may have a clear entrance into the kingdom of God. As God finished his work, and then rested from it, so he will cause those who believe, to finish their work, and then to enjoy their rest.
It is evident, that there is a more spiritual and excellent sabbath remaining for the people of God, than that of the seventh day, or that into which Joshua led the Jews.
This rest is, a rest of grace, and comfort, and holiness, in the gospel state. And a rest in glory, where the people of God shall enjoy the end of their faith, and the object of all their desires.
The rest, or sabbatism, which is the subject of the apostle's reasoning, and as to which he concludes that it remains to be enjoyed, is undoubtedly the heavenly rest, which remains to the people of God, and is opposed to a state of labour and trouble in this world.
It is the rest they shall obtain when the Lord Jesus shall appear from heaven. But those who do not believe, shall never enter into this spiritual rest, either of grace here or glory hereafter.
God has always declared man's rest to be in him, and his love to be the only real happiness of the soul; and faith in his promises, through his Son, to be the only way of entering that rest."
-Matthew Henry, Complete Commentary, Published 1706.
I plan to enjoy my day off work this Labor day holiday, but I'm looking forward so much more that day of rest God has promised me and all who believe in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. "It is the rest they shall obtain when the Lord Jesus shall appear from heaven."
Jesus said,
"Surely I come quickly."
The believer's response:
"Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
(Revelation 22:20)
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