Leviticus has always been a tough book to read for me. So many rules and details. However, chapter 25 introduces a concept that has always intrigued me; the concept of jubilee.
Every 50 years, the Hebrew people were to declare a year when all debts are forgiven and when all property must be returned to its original owner. It was to be a year of liberty throughout the land.
What a beautiful concept. The captives are set free. The debtor can stand with the lender on level ground. Truly a season of celebration.
One of my roles in life is that of mission director for HGM (Heart of God Ministries), which is a missionary training and sending organization focused on the unreached peoples of the world. We have a beautiful campus just east of Oklahoma City. The campus has low cost housing for our staff and for our missionaries who are home for a brief stay. Over the past year some of our staff have fallen behind on their rent. The rent isn't much but it had accumulated in some cases into a difficult climb.
Last Friday, we declared a year of jubilee for HGM. All debts are forgiven! Everyone gets a fresh start!
Of course, with the jubilee comes responsibility, on both sides. Those whose debts have been forgiven should do all they can to avoid getting back into debt. At the same time, those who are in the position of lender need to lend responsibly. If the lender knows the borrower can't pay, then the loan should not be made. If the landlord knows the renter can't pay, then other arrangements need to be made. Both sides must work in a responsible manner to avoid a difficult situation (Leviticus 25:14-17).
I am truly jumping for joy at what we have done at HGM. Now, if we can only get the rich countries of the world to do the same...
The rich countries of the world should declare jubilee!
I was thinking the other day about the jubilee and how it really is what Jesus has declared for our lives. I liking using this lens to look at the words and actions of Jesus. I wonder what it would look like if I was able to walk around with a sort of "jubilee attitude" toward everything.
Posted by: David Scott | Monday, December 07, 2009 at 10:35 AM
I'm with you Scott. Let's try. Want to?
Posted by: Eric | Monday, December 07, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Done and done!
Posted by: David Scott | Monday, December 07, 2009 at 11:02 AM