Let My People Go, Version 2.0.

If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and sell themselves to you, do not make them work as slaves. They are to be treated as hired workers or temporary residents among you; they are to work for you until the year of Jubilee. Then they and their children are to be released, and they will go back to their own clans and to the property of their ancestors. (Leviticus 25:39-41)

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry. (Psalm 34:14-15)

In Sunday's sermon Pastor Sam reminded us that all human life belongs to God. It is a reminder that we need to revisit every now and then, because sometimes we forget: that is, sometimes we act as if we own other people. This belief finds expression in our comments, our behaviors, and our responses when people fail to live up to our personal expectations.

The entrance of Jubilee is our signal to let people go. In ancient Israel, the Jubilee was marked by an exodus: workers left their communities of employ and returned to their own lands and clans. The people of God who had fallen on hard times, times so difficult that they sold themselves into servitude, could hang on to the hope of the Jubilee year. They knew that even if they did not live to experience the Jubilee for themselves, their children would one day be released.

But for us, in these modern times, what does it mean to be released?

Here at Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene, our Care Groups are reading and studying about the grace of God. And we are learning that, in today's context, we are called to release people spiritually. Though we do not own slaves in a literal sense, we may have been a figurative "slave-holder" in our hearts. We are called to forgive those who have wronged us. We are to walk in love, even though we live in a world where hatred is often the order of the day. We are to, as the Psalm says, "seek peace and pursue it" so that others will experience God's grace in our presence. We are to release people, because God in His mercy has released us from our bondage.

Perhaps the Lord has reminded you of a person or persons who have been abusive to you. Perhaps He has reminded you of a person or persons that you have been abusive towards. Perhaps your heart is breaking over the hardships of relatives or friends that are challenged with how to forgive, release, and rest in God's authority to love and judge His people as He sees fit.

Take heart. Jubilee has come.

Lord God, You offered freedom to us even before we understood the depth of our bondage. You loved us even though our lives were so unlovely. Please give us Your grace as we seek to follow You in this act of Jubilee. We speak the word of release and freedom over the lives of Your people. We know that You have heard our heart-prayers and we thank You for Your loving intervention.

Scripture references are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.