“It is finished” John 19:30
Heavenly Father, in the USA, it’s Labor Day—a day most of us just view as a holiday weekend, to kick off the fall season. Vocation-wise, we get a paid-for Monday, without working for it. “SaWeeet,” as they say in the southern part of America.
Yet few of us know the history behind the gift of a paid day off. In the late 1800’s, the average work week was all 7 days, 10-12 hours a day—women and children included. A woman dressmaker would make 38-52 cents a day.
It took defiance, from several emerging labor unions, to force the hand of company owners. They finally gave into the pressure, and gave the “gift” of the first Monday of September, as a thank you to the labor force.
Father, all that long-winded history lesson just to say, thank you. Thank you for not being like late 19th-century American company owners. It didn’t take threat, defiance, or rebellion to force you to be generous with us.
In fact, in full-view of our rebellion, foolishness, and idolatries, you acted on our behalf. You are rich in mercy, filled with compassion, and overflowing with love. We know this to be true because of the Gospel of your grace.
Through Jesus’ labor of love on our behalf, salvation-wise, we get a free eternity without working for it. Jesus’ last words on the cross, “It is finished,” are our first words of freedom. Our response isn’t a mere southern-American “SaWeeet!” With your every-nation, from every-generation family, we cry out—we shout, “HALLELUJAH!” and Amen.