September 2, 2013
Ecclesiastes 3:22 — Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
Labor Day. Ironic, in a way, that a holiday should be called “Labor Day”.
Labor Day has an interesting history. Some trace its beginnings to the socialist Robert Owen, who claimed May 1, 1833, as the day for the beginning of the millennium. But the first May Day or Labor Day celebration occurred in Paris on May 1, 1889. Most of the countries that observe a labor day do so on May 1. In the Soviet Union it is an official holiday. Canada and the United States have fixed the first Monday in September as Labor Day, and in these countries it is a national holiday in which all classes, not simply workingmen, participate.
The official line on Labor Day in the USA is that it 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. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886 Congress finally passed an act on June 28, 1894 to make the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.
So what’s the Biblical perspective? How might we use this special day to praise God?
With all that I have to be grateful for, I do not simply follow the Preacher and say that there is no more for me to do than to rejoice in my own works, not knowing what shall be after me. That is the world’s perspective — “eat, drink, and be merry – for tomorrow we die.” Time after time, the Preacher repeats that he is describing how it is “under the sun” — in the world. But as a Christian I don’t live in the world, under the sun. I live under the headship of Christ, and that adds two perspectives to my view of work …
First, I know that the work, the ability to work, and its fruits, may be temporary. They may all be gone tomorrow. It does not matter. I don’t depend on them. My dependence is on God. He will provide for me, and if ever I forget that I’ll be in big trouble.
Second, I don’t need to worry about what will come after me under the sun. When I got saved I stopped worrying about the future. Certainly I’m going to have troubles in this life. They could be horrible. Being a Christian doesn’t prevent that. If you think it does, try reading 1 Peter for a reminder. But it does change the game. After this life I have a great eternal future — because of the saving work of Jesus Christ.
So that’s my take on Labor Day. I am grateful for all it represents under the sun. But much more, I am grateful that a Christian view of work places it under the Son!