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"Labor - It can be alot of WORK"
This is a brand new subject in the Greek for me so it was also quite enlightening to me. As always Gods word is so rich and meaningful, we are going to look at 2 Greek Words that are often translated as Labor.
The first word is "Ergatees". It means to toil, work. a laborer, worker. The Root Word is "Ergon" - Which refers to what is done, and may be easy and pleasant. Work, employment (job), business, something to be done.
Matthew 9:35-38, 10:1
9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers (Gk. Ergatees) are few;
9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers (Ergatees) into his harvest.
10:1 AND when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
Jesus was moved with compassion for the multitude and looked at his disciples and said, in essence guys this Harvest is huge but the "Ergatees" Workers, or those in the business are few. Therefore Lord will send (greek means thrust out) Workers, people with the Job of gathering the Harvest. You know what this means to me. When Jesus starts telling you His heart don't just sit there! He's wanting you to get to work. As we see in verse 10:1 - "AND when he had called unto him his twelve disciples............." Then He sent forth them as His Workers, His Employees so to speak. He said you 12 your hired, go to work changing peoples lives and NOTE He empowered them for the task at hand. Then He later sent 70, then more, and more, and more, until today He has called the ENTIRE Body of Christ (you and me) to Work for Him. And just like then He'll impower you for the task at hand. The Harvest is plenteous but the Workers few??? I think so! God has called you to Work for Him, in many places and capacities, theres a harvest out there, let's get to work to reach them with the Good News of Jesus Christ!
The second word is "Kopiao" which means - Labor, fatigue. To be worn out, weary, faint. To weary oneself with labor. The Root Word is "Kopos" Which suggests the doing, resulting in weariness. It denotes the weariness which one experiences from that exertion. So this is the result/outcome of the work or labor.
Matthew 11:28-30
11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour (Kopiao) and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
I believe this is a call to those who are worn out, fatigued spiritually, Jesus tells them He'll give them REST. Rest for what their souls. Souls often refers to the Whole man. As I believe is the case here!
Yet when it comes to physical work - Ephesians 4:28
4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him
labour (Kopiao), working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Anotherwords when it comes to physical work, God says let him work resulting in weariness. So lazy ones get off your couch and get to work!
And in the ministry it is okay to "Kopiao" work hard - I Timothy 5:17
5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour (Kopiao) in the word and doctrine.
I can relate to this, I "Kopiao" in the Word and Doctrine.
Yes I wear myself out Physically/Mentally (NOT weary spiritually, I'm in Gods Rest there, if I'm walking in Him). I willingly physically/mentally wear out sometimes after hours and hours of labouring in His Word and Doctrine to make sure I teach Gods Word and not mans. It's very important to me!
So in conclusion:
1. God has called us to WORK (Ergates) for Him to gather in
the Harvest of souls.
2. A. God has not called us to fatigue/weariness (Kopiao)
Spiritually.
B. God has said it's expected that will be tired/fatigued from
our Physical work.
C. God's call to Ministry will often result in physical/mental
fatigue, but not Spiritual Fatigue.
I hoped that is has helped you all in a better understanding of "Labor".
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