Why did God institute Labor? Why is there the need to work? "When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens-- and no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth and no plant of the field had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no man to work the ground (Gen. 2:4,5)." God set up labor from the beginning. God did not place man on the earth with nothing to do. By God making the seventh day a Sabbath day of rest implies six other days of labor. God had given them the Original Mandate to civilize the world. Our labor is not simply so that we can sustain life, earn money or buy food. Our labor is expressively for carrying out God's Original Mandate to man.
God created the earth with potential. This potential would be unlocked if man carried out his duty. The world was made in the same way God formed a seed. A seed has the great potential of becoming a beautiful flower. But the seed has to be watered and taken care of. Only then will it become the beautiful flower. That is the role man plays. Man has been given the privilege of unlocking earth's potential. Its potential being a beautiful world that glorifies God.
Why did God create Labor? Labor was created to unlock the potential of God's earth. When was the last time you thought of work as a blessing? God created the Sabbath, and Marriage as a blessing. Labor is also a wonderful blessing. God gave us the privilege in helping accomplish his mission through labor.
Interact with Scripture/QuestionsRead Eccl 5:18-20. What is it right to find satisfaction in?
List what are we able to enjoy by God?
Because we are able to enjoy, what does God give us?
Read Psalm 128.
What is considered a blessing in vs. 2?
Notice that blessings from labor are like blessings from marriage and family.
How should you see your own work as a blessing?
What is God teaching about himself in both passages?
Scripture ReferencesEccl 5:[18] Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him--for this is his lot. [19] Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God. [20] He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.
Psalm 128
A song of ascents.
[1] Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.
[2] You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
[3] Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.
[4] Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.
[5] May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,
[6] and may you live to see your children's children.
Peace be upon Israel.
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