Leviticus 25: A Radical Vision of God’s JusticeSample

God’s justice and our obedience

God is identified as the redeemer who brought His people out of the injustice of slavery. His people were to follow in acting justly in relation to their fellow Israelites. They were not to practice jubilee simply because it was an instruction or command, but as a response to a just and loving God who expected them to follow His example.

Sadly, there is no evidence that jubilee was ever practiced by the Israelites, and in their exile, we see the consequences not only of their idolatry, but also of their unjust treatment of the poor and marginalized.

The jubilee year declares God’s justice. It’s a call to obedience despite the economic questions it raises. In God’s justice, no one should grow exorbitantly rich by amassing land and hoarding profit, and no family should be condemned to perpetual poverty. God blesses industriousness, but abhors exploitation and consumerism. In God’s economy, the jubilee year puts things back in order and assures that the needs of all will be met.

REFLECTION:

In what ways do you see poor or marginalized groups treated unfairly because of unjust laws or structures?