“And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you” (Leviticus 25:10 ESV).
Every seven years the Israelites were to keep a Sabbath for the land. God promised to bless their land with such abundance in the sixth year that it would provide enough for three years (Lev. 25:21-22). After seven of these cycles, which totaled 49 years, they were to declare a Year of Jubilee in the 50th year. This was like the Sabbath Year, yet included cancellation of debts. In the sabbath year, each field was to lie fallow, which appears to be a sound agricultural practice. Every 50th year, all leased or mortgaged lands were to be returned to their original owners, and all slaves and bonded laborers were to be freed. This practice reminded the Jews that the land really belonged to God and that they were really just “strangers and sojourners” in the land (Lev. 25:23). It also taught them to depend on God for provision, as they rested every seven years.
In Luke 4:19, Jesus read from Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the “Year of the Lord’s Favor” and declared that He was its fulfillment. Jesus is our Sabbath rest, the One who sets us free from sin’s bondage. Jesus is our Jubilee!
PRAYER: Dear Father, You have set us free from slavery to sin through faith in Your Son Jesus. Now He is our Jubilee. We rest in Him. Thank You for Your provision and calling. For we are now sent to declare the time of Jubilee in Jesus to the nations. Strengthen us for this. In Jesus’ name, amen.