Jubilee

March 24, 2019

Leviticus 25 describes the Jubilee Year as a time for reclaiming property and entering into a time of rest. After a cycle of seven times seven years, the 50th year was declared a Jubilee Year. Any property that had been sold because of debt and anyone who had entered into servanthood as a result of paying off debt was reset. The land was to enter a season of rest so the fields could recover. This was a time of personal liberty, restitution of property, and living a simple life. The people were expected to live off the fruits of their labor from the past years and live a life completely dependent on God’s provision.

Isaiah 61:1-3 hints at a time to come when all who “labor and are heavy laden will find rest in Him who is anointed by the spirit of the Lord” (biblestudytools.com). Jesus fulfills that prophecy in Luke 4:18-19 when he declares, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”

We no longer have to wait fifty years for a Jubilee Year to enter into God’s rest and to be free from oppression. In the last year, I have finally learned to rest and fully rely on God for my needs. It has been so freeing. He has allowed me to heal after my husband’s death and after the flooding of my house. In that time of rest, I have spent time devouring God’s word. I have been restored and renewed, and I am ready to sow and plant again. I am ready to reclaim my land.

While planning and preparing for the rebuilding of my house, I came across a paint color called Jubilee. I thought it was an appropriate reminder for me so I can always remember from where my strength and power come. Zechariah 4:6 says, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord.” If I live and breathe and have my being in God, then my connection with His Spirit will grow stronger. When my mind, will, and emotions line up with His will for my life, I will see the fruits of His Spirit.

I am ready to declare Jubilee in my life. Are you?