The Year of Jubilee

     Last night, I found myself reading Leviticus 25.  God gives Moses specific instructions to tell the people, before entering the promised land- particularly for the Year of Jubilee.  Jubilee was to be celebrated every 50 years.  No crops were to be planted, debts were to be cancelled, and land was to be restored to its rightful owner.  At first glance, one would think, 'what does that have to do with me in modern times?'.  As I examined the text further, I began to see just what the Jubilee meant for me.

     Starting on the Day of Atonement, the Jubilee was a day to celebrate a second chance.  At the sound of the ram's horn, the slate was wiped clean, so to say.  Debts were cancelled, slaves were set free, and land was restored to the original owner.  A person that was drowning in the consequences of their mistakes, now had a second chance.  The Jubilee was also a great time of faith.  The year before, was a Sabbatical Year, meaning no crops were planted for 2 years straight.  Israel was to trust in God for provision.  In America today, we feel the effects of one poor growing season- imagine going  2 full years without a single crop being planted nor importing any food product!  Although Jubilee was a year that God commanded to be set aside, the Old Testament provides no indication that it was ever celebrated.

     Fast forward to Christ.  He had just recently endured 40 days of temptation, had returned to the synagogue, and proclaimed the Year of Jubilee!  We now know that Christ frequently used figurative speech when speaking.  He wasn't speaking of a literal Year of Jubilee, in the Old Testament sense, but rather an Age of Jubilee, that was soon to come.  I would imagine a room filled with mixed emotions, with some being elated to hear that hope had finally arrived, while others would be indignant that Jesus had proclaimed himself as the Messiah.  They became enraged and drove him out of the city, to a hilltop, with intentions to push Him to His death.  Does that sound familiar?  It wouldn't be long until He would be led to His death on a hill named Calvary.

     Through His death on the cross, Christ gave us the gift of forgiveness. If we confess our sins to Him and repent with a sincere heart, ours sins become "as far as the east is from the west, in the eyes of God". (Psalm 103:12)  The slate is wiped clean and we are given a brand new start.  Do feel as if you need a second chance today?

     Believing upon the name of Jesus Christ, gives us freedom from bondage of sin, guilt for past mistakes, and being trapped in our sinful flesh.  John 8:36 tells us that "Whom the son has set free shall be free indeed".  Do you need freedom from an addiction, guilt, or fear?

     One of the greatest messages of the Good News is restoration.  A relationship with Christ restores what has been taken away from us through a life of sin.  It doesn't  necessarily pertain to physical belongings, but your hope, joy, and overall sense of peace is restored.  Psalms 23 tells us that  "He restores my soul".  Has your joy been taken away?  Do you feel as if you are merely living to survive- rather than living life to your fullest potential?  Do you feel as if you have no purpose in life?

     If you have said yes to any of the above, Christ wants to meet you at the cross.  He paid a great price for the gift He is so willing to freely give to you. He offers forgiveness and freedom from your sin and restoration for your soul.  All you have to do is accept by faith, and hand the reins of control over to Him.  If He is speaking to you right now, I ask that you will answer Him.  Please accept His gift and pray this prayer with me. 

    Dear Jesus,

I am a sinner. 

I repent of my sins. 

Please forgive me and save me by your shed blood; 

come into my heart. 

I want to receive you as my own personal Lord and savior.

Amen

     I pray that God grant you strength and guidance as you begin this wonderful new journey with Him!!