CORINTH

-Sermon Notes-

September 6, 2026

 

“A Labor of Love”

(Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, Psalm 127:1, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-7, Matthew 11:28-30)                 

     Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and for many, the start of a new school year. Labor Day was first observed in the late 1800’s, when horrible working conditions prompted 10,000 workers in New York City to march in protest.  In 1894 Labor Day was recognized by congress in the wake of deadly protests in Chicago. We don’t associated Labor Day with other church related holidays, yet in our readings this morning we do find a connection to labor and scripture.

     From Ecclesiastes we find the word labor offered over 30 times; in today’s passage Solomon laments that the work he has been involved with has been of no lasting value.  Solomon’s sentiments relate well to the first verse of Psalm 127: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”

     In his words to the church at Thessalonica we find Paul celebrating and thanking those who offered their labor: “We always give thanks to God for all of you….for your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness.”  Despite hardship and persecution, the Thessalonians worked at following Jesus by serving as imitators of the Lord.  Not an easy assignment considering their surroundings!

     At the end of Matthew before his ascension, Jesus implored his followers to work and labor with these words: “Go into the world and make disciples of all nations…”  This work can often be tiring and stressful as we labor in our ministerial work. Yet in today’s reading from Matthew, we are reminded of Jesus’ invitation to those weary and burdened from their work: “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, for I will give rest.” 

It is appropriate on this Labor Day weekend that we speak of work and labor.  Together, and brothers and sisters of our church, we choose to commit ourselves to working together to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.   This will take work and labor, yet unlike Solomon, we are able to rejoice because our work will not be offered in vain. 

    This is an exciting time for our church; the weeks and months ahead will bring learning, investing, sharing and caring, all labors of love as we seek to be faithful to God’s call on us. Our work will require a steadfast connection to the One who guides and encourages us through the leading of the Holy Spirit.