Grateful for Love, Serving Us, Hope and Joy

Scotty Smith:  A Prayer of Peace and Hope for Labor Day

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Lord Jesus, on this particular Labor Day, the main “work force” for which I am grateful is you, and the main labor I want to celebrate is yours.

Because of your completed work for us on the cross, we have unparalleled peace. Our labors to enter and enjoy a relationship with God are over. Actually, they were over before they began, because salvation is not by works through grit, but by grace through faith. Our best efforts at gaining salvation are like filthy rags—filled with unrighteousness. Your finished work to bring us salvation is like a wedding garment—robing us in your perfect righteousness. Hallelujah, for the ways you love us!

Because of your ongoing work in us, we have glorious freedom. One day we will be see you as you really are and we will become like you, Jesus. Christlikeness is not a set of virtues we diligently seek, it’s an inheritance we freely receive. You aren’t the model we imitate as much as you are the life to which we capitulate. You began the work of redemption for us and you will complete the work of redemption in us. Hallelujah, for the ways you serve us!

Because of your incessant work around us, we have a mounting excitement. Jesus, you have promised to make all things new, all things, no exceptions. You are making beautiful things, not just out of us, but also out of the dust—out of the diseased and broken creation. The blessings of your redemption are flowing (not trickling) as far as the curse of God’s judgment can be found. Hallelujah, for the joy your give us!

Because of your irrepressible work through us, our labors in you are not in vain. We can give ourselves fully to your work, precisely because it’s your work, Jesus, not ours. It’s never been about what we do for you, but what you do for us. We must not fear. We must not give up. We must grow cynical. No matter what we see, smell, taste or touch, you are at work through us. Hallelujah, for the hope you give us!

We will not despise the day of small beginnings because we trust in the Day of certain completion. In ourselves, we surely falter; in you, Jesus, we stand firm. Nothing will move us because you’re the immovable rock of our salvation—in whom we gladly hide and hope. So very Amen we pray in your trustworthy name.