Labour day history
May 1 is celebrated as Labour Day across the world. On May 1, 1886, more than 300,000 workers in 13,000 businesses across the United States walked out of their jobs to the streets of America demanding 8-hour work day and better working conditions. It is considered as first May Day celebration in history. In history, we can see many such fights against racial, gender and economic discriminations. Many leaders have sacrificed their lives in their fight for freedom and equality. But the struggle still continues.
All the political parties across the world offer a better tomorrow to their countrymen, But no one could ever wholly fulfil their promises. Governments no matter how powerful they are, struggle to meet their commitments to people. It is because a man in his limited capacity cannot resolve all the problems in this world.
The call to rest
But there is one person in history who offered rest to the burdened people. His promise was real, and the offer is still open. It is no one else, but Lord Jesus Christ who came to this world to offer rest to the struggling human minds.
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”(Bible-Matthew 11:28-30)
The rest offered by Jesus was not physical but rest to the soul and peace to the troubled minds. Bible says “…the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Bible-Philippians 4:7).
There are two parts in the first verse (Matthew 11:28):
(i) Jesus invites each one of us unto Him. He is compassionate. He understands our struggles. All your sins will be forgiven if you trust in Him. Then your heart will be filled with joy and peace. And, you will find rest in Him.
(ii) Jesus reveals that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. A yoke is a piece of farming equipment that joins two animals together so that they can share the workload evenly and become more productive. Sometimes, an older, more experienced animal is yoked with a younger, less experienced animal, so that the older animal can train the younger animal while they work together.
The true rest
Jesus calls you to cast all your burdens and all your worries on him(Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7). He will guide you to the right path. In short, you will find meaning in your life. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Dear friend, you may be worried about many things. You may be carrying the burden of sin along with you. You may be thinking that there is no solution to your problems. But all doors are not closed. Come unto Jesus. You will find rest in Him. He will guide you with His yoke.