This morning I learned something very interesting about the word labor.
In the King James Bible the word is spelled labour. So when I first looked up verses on labor there were none to be found. When I tried using the Old English spelling I found 128 references.
Isn’t that just the way it is. There is no real labour with “u”.
So often people think that they need to be super saints to be used by God. Not so…God is looking for people who are available. You don’t have to be someone who has been a Christian for a long time – someone who has been to Bible school or seminary – or even someone who has lived an exemplary life.
God is looking for the willing and obedient!
“Come on now, let’s discuss this!” says the Lord. “Though your sins are bright red, they will become as white as snow. Though they are dark red, they will become as white as wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.” Isaiah 1:18-19 GW
At the marriage feast in Cana Jesus mother told him that they were running low on wine. She expected Jesus to do something and then she said to the servants standing nearby, “whatever he tells you to do, do it”. They did and a miracle took place.
If we will just “do” what we hear from God, He will work the miracles. We don’t have to know great amounts of Scripture, but we need to be willing to do what we hear.
“His mother told the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Six stone water jars were there. They were used for Jewish purification rituals. Each jar held 18 to 27 gallons.
7 Jesus told the servers, “Fill the jars with water.” The servers filled the jars to the brim. 8 Jesus said to them, “Pour some, and take it to the person in charge.” The servers did as they were told.
9 The person in charge tasted the water that had become wine. He didn’t know where it had come from, although the servers who had poured the water knew. The person in charge called the groom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the best wine first. When people are drunk, the host serves cheap wine. But you have saved the best wine for now.”
11 Cana in Galilee was the place where Jesus began to perform miracles. He made his glory public there, and his disciples believed in him.” John 2:5-11 GW
Obedience was a big part of Jesus ministry. He told Lazarus to “come forth”. To the cripple man, He said “rise up and walk”, Zacchaeus heard Him say “come down” and to the harlot he said “sin no more”. These are just a few examples but each of them were willing to do what Jesus said and then they were obedient to “do it”.
You know this is a play on words but it’s important that “u” stays in labor.
We can’t earn our salvation. God’s love is unconditional. By our obedience we do show the love and gratitude in our hearts. “U” must be involved, it’s called faith. Our obedience is an outward expression of our inner heart.
Jesus said He would provide rest if “u” (we) come to Him and learn.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 KJV
or perhaps this is easier to understand
“Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. 29 Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest.” Matthew 11:28-29 ERV
I encourage “U” to labour today. Work hard to be obedient and you will see God’s power working in your life bringing you to a place of rest.
Lord, today, I desire to be willing and obedient!