Read Leviticus 24
Highlights:
A rebellious son blasphemed the Name of the Lord (Lev. 24:11,16). The Lord commanded (24:23). Note the number of perfection (seven) and its eventual climax in the year of Jubile (25:8-55).
One of the Ten Commandments written by the finger of God states: Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain (Ex. 20:7). It's a very serious sin to take the Name of the Lord . . . in vain, but, even worse, the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the Name of the Lord, and cursed (Lev. 24:11). This was much more serious because it showed active rebellion and brought discredit to the Name of the Lord.
Every 50th year in Israel was to be proclaimed as a year of Jubile . . . Ye shall not sow, neither reap (25:9-11). For 12 months the land was to rest while the people lived on whatever grew spontaneously. The Jubile reminded the nation of their total dependence upon God and acknowledged, the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof (Ps. 24:1).
As the trumpet announced the Jubile year, a sacrifice for atonement was made. This informed the people that an acceptable offering had been presented for their sins. In this year every downtrodden Hebrew who lost his ancestral property because of debts, or who became a slave through poverty or misfortune, regained his freedom and all his former property rights and privileges. All debts had to be forgiven.
This is a type foreshadowing the Gospel (Good News) which Christ came to reveal. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (John 8:36).
Jesus' death on the cross is the sinner's Jubile. He sets us free from the power of sin and Satan and forgives all sins as well as provides us equal access to all the blessings of God. We, in turn, are to forgive everyone even as God forgives us because His forgiving Spirit indwells our lives. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses (Mark 11:25).
In the Synagogue, Jesus read: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised (Luke 4:18; compare Is. 61:1-2).
Thought for Today:
So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the Law of Liberty (Jas. 2:12).
Christ Portrayed:
By the kinsman-redeemer (Lev. 25:47-55). Christ is our Savior and Redeemer (Is. 60:16) who made us His kinsmen: The Spirit Itself (Himself) beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (Rom. 8:16).
Word Studies:
24:4 order the lamps see that they are continually supplied with oil and kept in trim; 24:19 blemish injury; 25:35,39 be waxen poor has become impoverished; 25:36 usury interest on loans; 25:39 bondservant slave; 25:43 rigour harshness, severity.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. Walter Jones, Jr. (NC) • Country: Syria (17 million) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and Kurdish • Limited religious freedom for Christians • 90% Muslim; 4% Eastern Orthodox; 2% Roman Catholic; .25% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for a spirit of humility and submission before the Lord (John 3:30-31).
Optional Reading: Mark 13:1-36
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:1-3