Pray:
God of freedom, You have set my heart free. Let me bring Your freedom to the world.
Read:
Leviticus 25:8-17
Reflect:
What modern actions reflect the heart of Jubilee?
Today's passage showcases a wonderful, community-wide declaration of liberty. For the Israelites, every fiftieth year would see land returned to original owners, slaves freed, people returning home and a fallow year for the land.
In this way God establishes measures to keep balance in the community of his people. The Jubilee prevented the accumulation of power or possessions to the extent that it damaged others. It ensured that no one was enslaved forever, in debt for a lifetime or inherited poverty.
Jubilee is not solely an Old Testament theme. In Luke 4:18,19, Jesus proclaimed his fulfillment of the familiar text in Isaiah 61 which speaks of the liberation of captives and the year of the Lord's favor. Today, although the fight against legalized slavery has largely been won, human trafficking, ethical trade and social justice remain prevalent issues in society. But God's heart has not changed; he is still for freedom--both physical and spiritual. So whether we have little or much (talent, resources, finance, power), we have a responsibility to use what we have for God's Kingdom and his glory.
Apply:
Consider the ways in which you can implement the Jubilee principles of justice, peace, compassion and help for the poor.
Pray:
Righteous and loving God, open my eyes to the enslaved and to my part in bringing freedom.
