E-votional - Labor & Shabbat
September 3, 2002
Verse:

"And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation."

Genesis 2:2-3 (NRSV)

Thought:

   Labor. To work. Labor Day. A day to rest. Vocation. A calling. Sabbath. A Holy and sacred day. We have just celebrated Labor day. A day when we are to rest from work. It is a day that creates a three day weekend, in which many go off for a short vacation. Much deserved and eagerly anticipated, plans are made and the escape happens. Labor day weekend is a time to recharge and renew energy for work. In order to fully appreciate labor day, there needs to be labor that leads up to the day and to the vacation. This holds true with the Sabbath too.

Hear the Good News, set aside for us, is a Holy day. A day for recharge and for reflection. A day where we can have our cup for ministry refilled and our passion for sharing Christ renewed. The truth is, when we give all we can give, we need to receive. In each Sunday, we have a Spiritual Labor Day. It is a day to look forward to as we give of ourselves. Each Sunday is an incentive to serve and to share. If we, as a society make much of Labor Day, it's importance and it's need, should we also look to Sunday with the same importance?

Prayer: 

   Gracious Father, thank You for the rest an the renewal You offer. Help me to receive it fully, that I might share what You have done, yet again. Thank You for all that You have done in my life and all You will continue to do, for ask this through Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.