Jubilee – A time to get back what belongs to you.
The Jubilee (Hebrew yovel יובל) year is the year at the end of seven cycles of shmita (Sabbatical years), and according to Biblical regulations had a special impact on the ownership and management of land in the Land of Israel; there is some debate whether it was the 49th year (the last year of seven sabbatical cycles, referred to as the Sabbath’s Sabbath), or whether it was the following (50th) year.
“This fiftieth year is sacred—it is a time of freedom and of celebration when everyone will receive back their original property, and slaves will return home to their families. “From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Bible tells us of this special year that was designated as a time for restoration of property and for the tilled land to rest. Slaves would also be set free and debts would be cancelled. In Luke 4:16-21 we are given the account of Jesus’ visit to the synagogue on a sabbath, as was his custom. He stood up to read and the words of the prophet Isaiah were handed to him, whereupon he proceeded to read from the place where it was written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the opressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” -(NIV)
He was reading from Isaiah 61:1 and declares that “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” In this passage from Luke lies an amazing revelation about our Father in Heaven. The Messiah was sent to provide freedom and deliverance! While jubilee, which also meants the sound of a trumpet blast in Hebrew, came only once every 49 (or 50) years and was celebrated at that time with much rejoicing and joy, God makes a major paradigm shift in the seasonal order of things by declaring that it is now by faith we recive our jubilee!
I am sure you are wondering how faith comes in. Take a closer look at what Jesus says and then relate it to this scripture by Paul in his letter to the Romans: ‘Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.’ (Romans 10:17, NIV). Now connect this with what Jesus says in the paragraph above (“…in your hearing.”). It therefore stands to reason that when we hear the word and His Spirit quickens faith within us, we have instant access to our ‘Jubilee’.
Jubilee for me is especially poignant because I just turned 50 a few weeks ago and I have seen God take me through what seemed to be unsurmountable issues and prove to me that I can access my Jubilee if I trust Him.
As you face various issues, whether physical or spiritual, remember that Jubilee is available for you 24/7. It could be a financial issue. It could be your health. It could be depression or anxiety. Whatever chain is holding you back from your freedom, jubilee has arrived at your doorstep 49 years ahead of its time!
Have a blessed New Year 2013 and believe that your time of liberty, freedom and joy has come!