June Jubilee

JUBILEE TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD

The word “jubilee” occurs very few times in the Bible and only is seen in 3 chapters of the Old Testament.  It was used to describe the year of rest from toil and labor the Jews were directed to observe every 50 years.  In addition, in that year, every slave was freed and the land was restored to the family God had assigned it to when entering the promised land.

The Year of Jubilee would begin at the close of the Day of Atonement.  The people would be in a position of humility before God.  The year would prove to generate, out of necessity, a dependence upon God.  The people would recognize God as their provider and sustainer.  They would see God as the landlord of all their possessions.

In the Year of Jubilee, restoration of all things as God had directed took place.  Land and people were restored to the original owner and freedom.  The brokenness which created bondage was removed.  Rest from weary burdensome work occurred.  God’s unmistakeable provision was realized. The year was a jubilee to the people of God. (Lev 25:10)

Today, we have no such formal observance, but let us take time to recognize some spiritual realities from this bygone time.  Just as 49 years had allowed God’s people to get all tangled up, in bondage, and not be in possession of God’s original provision; we too can get tangled up, in bondage, and not live in the provision of God.  The word Jubilee itself means liberty.  Jesus came to proclaim liberty to captives. (Is 61)  Jesus is our Jubilee. Jesus is our liberty.  Let us “stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Gal. 5:1)

It was only during rest from labor, restoration of all things could occur.  Let us cease our striving.  Let us rest.  During the Year of Jubilee, the people of God took time to focus on God, reverence His authority in their lives, and rely on Him for their day-to-day needs.  Let us learn from their example, let us take some extended time to focus on God, reverence His authority in our lives, and trust him for our daily bread.  We can experience our own Jubilee.

Additional Thoughts

“There is nothing lost by faith and self-denial in obedience.” Matthew Henry