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He said, “It is finished” John 19:30

     Lord Jesus, on this Labor Day 2018, we praise you for our vocations and the gift of work. By our various vocations, we provide for our families and participate in the Creation Mandate—our calling to steward resources, make culture, and fill the earth with your glory. What a privilege and honor.

But even more so, we’re grateful for your finished work, Jesus—for your perfect and complete “labor of love.” Everything changed when you cried out from the cross, “It is finished!” We rest and rejoice in the once-and-for-all-ness of your redeeming work on our behalf. That’s the one job that was done right the first time and is forever finished. Hallelujah!

As our substitute in life, you accomplished what we could never do for ourselves. You perfectly obeyed our Father by everything you thought, said, and did. The will of God was your bread and delight, your vocation and our salvation. We praise you for your saving life.

And as our substitute in death, you took our judgment and gave us your righteousness. Through your death on the cross, we’re counted guiltless and righteous. We’re fully known and greatly loved, seated in the heavenlies and rooted in love, standing in grace and sealed for eternity. The peace this brings us is incalculable. Jesus, we praise you for your redeeming death and the triumph of your resurrection.

Performance-based-spirituality has taken an eternal beat-down. Legalism and pragmatism have been exposed and dethroned. Now our labors have become labors of love. We obey you because we love you; and we love you because you gave yourself for us as a sacrifice for our sins.

We now work from a place of rest, not restlessness; not to get anything from you, but because we’ve received everything in you; not to build a little fiefdom for ourselves, but to expand your kingdom in our communities; not to get crowns, but to throw crowns at your feet one Day. What a Savior you are, Jesus; what a salvation you have earned for us. So very Amen we pray, in your merciful and mighty name.

 

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