On Labor Day and Isaiah 1-2

In my younger years, I never really thought a lot about Labor Day.  I was honestly not really sure why it is celebrated.  I always found it ironic that on a holiday that was supposedly in existence to celebrate laborers, most people who labored with their hands still had to work.  In fact, some worked harder on Labor Day than other holidays.  For instance, those who work in retail often are busier because of Labor Day sales.  

I do think a lot about Labor Day now, though.  Now the sentiments behind Labor Day are a passion of mine.  My academic studies and my own fiction writing have led me to into deeper and deeper thoughts about how everyday people, the humble workers, are treated.  Last Labor Day, my sons and I went to the factories and mills in our city just to discuss the history of labor here.  

Yesterday, I started a new personal Bible study.  I began studying Isaiah.  I have read Isaiah before, but in this current study I have noticed some verses in chapters one and two that I think really apply to Labor Day and to the attitudes about and treatment of the poor and the common workers.  I have been startled again by how well these verses apply to my own country today - a country that ignores the suffering of the oppressed, a supposedly Christian country that bows down to worship silver and gold and is arrogant enough to believe that silver and gold can save them.  Below I am going to list some of these verses.  

"Stop bringing meaningless offerings!  Your incense is detestable to me.  New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations - I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.  Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being.  They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.  When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening.  Your hands are full of blood" (Isaiah 1:13-15, NIV). 

"Defend the oppressed, take up the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow" (Isaiah 1:17).  

"See how the faithful city has become a prostitute!  She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her - but now murderers!  Your silver has become dross, your choice wine is diluted with water.  Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts.  They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them" (Isaiah 1:21-23). 

"They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and embrace pagan customs.  Their land is full of silver and gold, there is no end to their treasures.  Their land is full of horses; there is no end to their chariots.  Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made" (Isaiah 2:6b-8). 

"The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.  The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled)" (Isaiah 2:11-12). 

"The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day, and the idols will totally disappear" (Isaiah 2:17-18).  

"Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?" (Isaiah 2:22).