Monday - September 5, 2016

Woodlawn Family Bible Study
MONDAY

BIBLE READING:  Psalm 118:24

Today is Labor Day.  Doesn’t it seem strange to you that the one day that is named for “work” is a day that everyone is off “work”?  It seems that it would be more fitting to call it just “Monday” and we all take off work every Monday, because …it is Monday! Nevertheless, Labor Day is always the first Monday in September.  It was a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It serves as a yearly “tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country” (US Department of Labor).   

Ever since the first Labor Day almost 130 years ago, there is still some question as to who should get the official credit for its observance.  Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic. 

Others believe that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold." To me it really doesn’t matter who came up with the idea, I will enjoy my day off regardless.  Mr. McGuire’s statement does intrigue me, though.  I understand what he means by “grandeur” in the sense of all of the work that the American working class has achieved. The word “grandeur” means “a great and impressive quality.” 

In no way do I mean to be disrespectful to America’s hard working citizens, but what of all the “grandeur” that God created from nothing? Sure, as human beings we are very gifted and  talented, but we can’t allow ourselves to forget that God created us from dust. Wouldn’t it be great if we had a day set aside that honor all of the work that God “delved and carved” out of nothing? Wait! We already do:  It is called "Every Day!" “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

Application: Spend some time today in admiring the wonders of God’s creation and discuss it with someone you love.

Prayer Request

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