Wow! What a God! In today’s reading, we have a detailed look into Israel’s economy. It’s a rich illustration of God! His love for the poor. His love for rest. His provision. His love of freedom. Say hello to the Year of Jubilee! These chapters detail rest for man and land, the canceling of debt, restoration of freedom from slavery and service, and restoring land back to the original owners.
What a contrast to the economic conditions Israel lived under in Egypt! In Egypt, there was no compassion, no rest, no land, and no freedom. There was only cruelty, taskmasters, and a grueling grind! Imagine living with no hope, no future, no jubilant life, ever! What a difference one year has made being out of Egypt and under God! Notice what God says twice in the reading…
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God. (Leviticus 25:38, NLT)
For the people of Israel belong to me. They are my servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.(Leviticus 25:55, NLT)
To us who believe, does this not sound similar to our experience before salvation? Do you remember back to those days in Egypt, as it were? Enslaved to darkness, lusts, and passions, no rest, only weariness from guilt and sin, no joy, no hope, no future, only a monotonous grind, always wondering, what’s the meaning behind all of this, this life?
But Jesus came! A new “economy” came, where once you were a slave, but now you are an heir!
And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. (Galatians 4:6–7, NLT)
Believer, rejoice today! Gone is the old economy of this world, with its soul-impoverished life. Say hello to Jubilee, a new economy wherein Christ made us free! Wherein He gives us rest! He is preparing a place for us! He canceled our debt of sin and guilt on His cross! What a God, a Savior, and a Father!
Today’s reading: Leviticus 24-25 | Tomorrow’s reading: Leviticus 26-27