May Day - International Workers Day

It’s May 1 or  May Day, also called Workers’ Day or International Workers’ Day.  This is a day around the world given to celebrating the struggles and gain made by workers. 

Here in North America we actually celebrate Labour Day on the first Monday of September but in so many countries today is actually the day to celebrate workers.

I’ve always been impressed with the section in the Bible where God gives instructions to Moses about making the tabernacle – the place where God would meet with Moses and where His beautiful presence would rest. 

God chose workers and named them for Moses and gave them great wisdom and skill.  Listen to these words:

The Lord said to Moses,  “Look, I have specifically chosen Bez-al-el son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.  I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.  And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of A-his-a-mach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make: 

Exodus 31:1-3, 6

Such an affirmation of the value of the talents and giftings and skills of tradesmen and workers as being ministry for God. It’s not just pastors and teachers that the Lord uses to minister to others.  Everyone has a part to play through whatever skills and work God has given us to do.

Loving God, we are truly thankful that You are the giver of all good gifts.  We often think that the gifts You give to people like pastors and church leaders are the ones given by Your Spirit.  But today, we are grateful to be reminded that the builder and the brick-layer, the maker of roads, the plumber and the electrician, those who sew clothes, make shoes, bake bread, cut lawns and shape hedges – and so many more – these are all people You have filled with the Spirit of God, giving them great wisdom, ability, and expertise.

Thank You for Your creativity and wisdom that we see on display in them and we pray today that we will honour what You are honouring and appreciate what You are appreciating.

Bless all workers and give them great joy in the tasks You have set before them.  Give them health and strength and the ability to complete today’s jobs.  Give them pleasure in what they complete and teach them even as they make mistakes how to improve and make something lovely in the process.

We give thanks for workers today and how You’ve fitted Your whole family together so we can enjoy so much diversity of gifts and beauty.  Amen

Well, hat’s off to all workers today on May 1 - May Day.  Be blessed and have a great day.