Leviticus 25: A Radical Vision of God’s JusticeSample

God’s priorities and our rest

God promised abundance, but it required faith from the Israelites to let the land lie fallow and trust God to provide for their daily bread. This focus, faith and promise are echoed by Jesus urging us to seek first the kingdom of God and to pray for our daily bread. God continues to promise that He will provide and that the provision comes out of obedience and trust and not hard work.

While the seventh-year jubilee rest was for the land, God proclaims that the fiftieth year was a rest for the people of God. Genesis teaches that we were created to rest in God; six days to work and a seventh to rest.

In following the command of jubilee—by resting the land every seven years—the Israelites acknowledged that their land had limits. By clearing all debts and returning land to the original owner, they acknowledged that everything they owned had been given to them by God and they were all equally loved and valued in God’s eyes.

Rest requires faith. When we cease working, we proclaim that God will provide for us even as we rest. God’s priority is that we seek intimacy with Him as our highest calling.

REFLECTION:

Do you find it hard to rest? How do you think creating a space for rest will transform your spiritual life?