Wow! What a God! In today’s reading, we get a detailed look at Israel’s economy. It’s a clear example of God’s character! His love for the poor. His desire for rest. His provision. His love of freedom. Say hello to the Year of Jubilee! These chapters describe rest for people and land, canceling debts, freeing people from slavery and servitude, and returning land to its original owners.
What a stark contrast to the economic conditions Israel endured in Egypt! In Egypt, there was no compassion, no rest, no land, and no freedom. Instead, there was only cruelty, taskmasters, and a relentless grind. Imagine living without hope, without a future, and without any joyful life—ever! What a difference a year makes—from being in Egypt to being under God's care! Notice what God says twice in the reading…
I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God. (Leviticus 25:38, KJV)
For unto me the children of Israel are servants; they are my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 25:55, KJV)
To those of us who believe, does this not sound similar to our experience before salvation? Do you remember 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” arrived, where you were once a slave, but now you are an heir!
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:6–7, KJV)
Believer, rejoice today! The old economy of this world, with its soul-diminished life, is gone. Welcome to Jubilee, a new economy where Christ has set us free! Where He grants us rest! He is preparing a place for us! He paid the debt of our sin and guilt on His cross! What a God, a Savior, and a Father!
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