Wiping the Slate Clean

One of the most fascinating commands in the Old Testament is the instruction for the Jewish people to observe the Year of Jubilee. Every 50th year the nation of Israel was to celebrate the Year of Jubilee as follows: “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. This is a year of complete celebration, so don't plant any seed or harvest what your fields or vineyards produce.” (Leviticus 25:11-12 CEV)

It was God’s ordained plan for the “slates” to be wiped clean every 50 years. All the Jewish people, who had sold their property or themselves into slavery as result of indebtedness, would be released of that debt during the year of Jubilee and restored to their original family status. Although it does not appear that the Jewish People observed this practice on a regular basis, we get a glimpse into the heart of God and His desire for people to experience freedom and celebration in their life!

Jesus arrived on the scene more than a thousand years after the introduction of the Year of Jubilee. And yet it is in Jesus Christ, that we can truly experience having our “slate wiped clean.” I am not suggesting that if you become a follower of Christ, that your credit card debt will all be automatically cancelled. And yet in responding to Christ’s invitation to a personal relationship, we find the promises of our sins being forgiven and our guilty consciences cleansed by his love and sacrifice. Now, I would call these promises a good reason to celebrate!

Corresponding Bible Reading: Leviticus 24:1-25:55