THE WORD SIROCCO
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Month Theme: Release
Topic: Released from Exploitation
Scripture Reading: Leviticus 25:8-13
Main Text:
Leviticus 25:10
10 And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.
Laban exploited Jacob and accumulated wealth through his faithful service. Laban denied Jacob just wages and tried to hold him back after the latter sought to return to his homeland. The God with whom Jacob had a covenant rebuked Laban when he refused to voluntarily let Jacob go back to his land of origin (Genesis 31:22-24).
God and Jacob has their part to play in enforcing his return to his father’s house – his jubilee.
1. Initiation - The action of beginning something. Jacob fled when Laban was hesitant to release him (Genesis 31:20-22). Sometimes you have to force your exit by escaping.
2. Indefatigability - Having or showing a capacity for persistent effort; not tiring or relenting. Laban caught up with Jacob after seven days’ journey but not two days (Genesis 32:24-26). Jacob did not get tired easily. Jacob was a fight.
3. Intervention - To take part in something so as to prevent or alter a result or course of events (Genesis 31:29). God intervened and rebuked Laban.
The Jubilee is sometimes resisted. The poor are excited about the Jubilee but the rich and powerful people in the society are not. The Jubilee may be a threat to slave owners who may do all they can to stop it from happening but God’s power and will overrule the opposition. God rebukes the devourer for our sakes (Malachi 3:11-12). He rebuked Laban.
Prayer: Ask God to give you the wisdom and boldness to be released from exploitative labour.
Recommended Reading:
"The Jubilee" by Eastwood Anaba
(Find e-books at www.amazon.com)
www.eastwoodanaba.com