Text: Leviticus 25:8-12
In the Law of Moses, there were instructions about a time to “restart” (begin again) – the year of jubilee. This occurred every 50 years. As we are about to begin a new year, there are several lessons for us from this year of jubilee.
Laws Regarding the Year of Jubilee
- Everyone was to return to his family (v. 10) – not only freemen, also applied to slaves (v. 39-41)
- Everyone was to return to his property (v. 10, 13) – emphasis on “property of his forefathers” (v. 41); the land they (their family) possessed was an inheritance from God (Numbers 33:54)
- They were not to sow, reap, or gather (v. 11) – this also happened every seventh year (v. 2-7); the jubilee followed one of these sabbath years; God promised they would have the provisions they needed (v. 20-22)
- Lands sold were to revert to the original owner/family (v. 10, 13, 25-28) – understanding this, they were not to “wrong one another” (v. 17)
- They were to forgive the debts of others (v. 39-41)
Significance of the Year of Jubilee
- The year of jubilee provided a way for them to reset/restart their lives
- Provided a way for those in difficult situations to escape that – regardless of whether they were at fault or not
- Reminded them of God’s blessings and their responsibilities before Him
- Called upon them to have faith in God and trust His promises
Principles for Us to Apply Today
- Remember the importance of family – honoring them (Ephesians 6:1-3; 5:22, 25; 1 Peter 3:7); caring for them (1 Timothy 5:4, 8, 16); helping them spiritually (Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15; 1 Peter 3:1-2)
- Remember your inheritance – what God has promised us (Ephesians 1:11-14); this is an eternal inheritance in heaven (1 Peter 1:4)
- Remember God’s promises – have faith in Him to provide material blessings (Matthew 6:30-33; 2 Corinthians 9:10) and spiritual/eternal blessings (1 Timothy 6:17-19; Ephesians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:3)
- Remember to treat others fairly (James 2:1) – as we would want to be treated (Matthew 7:12)
- Remember to forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15; Luke 17:3-4) – as God has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32)
Conclusion
- As we make plans, resolutions, and goals for the new year, let us not forget what is truly important
- Let us remember God who blesses us with all things and do all that we can to serve Him
- Let us treat others as He would want us to treat them
- Let us keep pressing on toward the goal of heaven
