“Set apart the fiftieth year as holy, and proclaim liberty to everyone living in the land. This is your jubilee year.” Leviticus 25:10
The Year of Jubilee is a concept introduced in the Bible as part of the Levitical law governing how the Israelites were to live in the Promised Land. Every fifty years all debts were forgiven, property reverted to the original owners, indentured servants were set free and no crops were planted or harvested. God promised that he would provide. It was decreed a year of celebration, redemption of all that had been lost and release from the curse of hard labor imposed on Adam when he left Eden. Sadly there is no evidence that the Children of Israel ever took God up on his kind offer and entered into an actual Year of Jubilee. Apparently it is really hard to lay our plowshares down, return the deeds and release our servants. I understand completely. You probably do to – social chaos! How practical is that?
I turn 55 this year and practical or not I feel the need for a personal Year of Jubilee. I long to experience the blessings that might come from a year of celebration instead of yet another year filled with staunch resolutions and tedious obligations. I desire to release those that are beholden to me of any expectations. I wish to return what I have taken and receive again what I have lost. What does that look like? I don’t know exactly. But I’m committed to a year of finding out.
I plan on posting progress reports once a week. Do you have suggestions or insights regarding what a Year of Jubilee should or should not include? I would love to hear them. Let the party begin!
