In the last study, we examined something called the Year of Jubilee. The Lord laid out many scenarios through which the people and their land could be restored to their original condition for this event that was to occur every 50 years. Just in case there was a scenario He did not cover, He ended the Jubilee regulations with this statement:
“‘Even if someone is not redeemed in any of these ways, they and their children are to be released in the Year of Jubilee, for the Israelites belong to me as servants. They are my servants, whom I brought out of Egypt. I am the Lord your God" (Leviticus 25:54-55).
This simple but profound statement contains several important reminders about God's relationship to His people. Here are a few for you to consider:
- You are to look for ways to set people free, not to keep them in bondage. You can do that by extending forgiveness and grace, even when the recipients are less than worthy.
- Ultimately, the people with whom you have relationships belong to God. You are to treat them as He directs, not as you see fit. That includes family members, co-workers, supervisors, clients, customers, and partners.
- You are first and foremost God's servant. While He may put you in a place where you are serving others, you're doing that for Him, and not for money or convenience.
- God is the Lord and He directs His creatures as He sees fit. You have no right to hold on to someone because they serve you. Instead, you are to look for ways to serve them, even if it costs you something to do so.
One more thing. God assigned you a purpose and gave you creative gifts, and those are to be used as He directs. You are not at liberty neither to ignore them or use them only in the pursuit of money. Are you clear in what you are now doing that you are God's servant first and foremost? Do you see yourself as the owner of your gifts or their steward? Are you so bound by debt and fear that you sell yourself to the highest bidder (or any bidder who comes along)?
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