Discussion of Jubilee is not an easy discussion amongst biblical scholars. The passage today may leave us with more questions than answers. Was Jubilee practiced only while the Israelites were in their homeland? What about when the Israelites were in captivity? After all, it is part of God's law. Is it still practiced today?
Here is what we can glean from today's Scripture; it marked a time of new beginning. A chance to "wipe the slate clean." It is a time for the Israelites to return to their roots. In our journey with Jesus we can wonder off course, forget where we came from. It is important for us to return to our foundation, to remember that we serve a God of mercy and grace.
If I may, is it time for you to have a "spiritual" Jubilee? A time to "wipe the slate clean"? Is this a season for repentance on your part? Is it a time for you to seek God's forgiveness? Is it a time of letting go of some hurts and to forgive others? Is this a time of restitution to be made on your part?
God, thank you for your forgiveness in my life. Father, help me to practice the same mercy and grace toward other people as you do toward me. God, thank you for being a God of new beginnings, in Jesus' name.
