God promises obeying Sabbath and Jubilee years bring blessings

Leviticus 25-27

AIM: God is generous and commands us to be generous

A) God promises blessing for obeying Sabbath year and Year of Jubilee

(25:1-7) Sabbath Year, for land every seventh year

(8-22) Jubilee year, seven sets of seven, 49 years, day of Atonement 50^th year – time to proclaim freedom for all, return to your own clan

(14-17) property is returned, buy/sell takes into account years until Jubilee (when it’s returned)

(18-22) security comes from following God’s decrees and obeying his regulations, be assured (21)

Application: What we have beyond our life, our ability to make a living - wouldn't be possible without our life. So the point is remember the Creator, the One who gives life. God promises blessing for taking time to remember that God is the one who creates. When will I take time to ponder God's generosity this week?

B) God explains redemption in the Year of Jubilee

(23-34) Redemption of Property, not permanent belongs to God, town/walled (1 year), village, countryside (anytime), pastureland around Levitical towns never sold/permanent possession.

(35-55) Kinsmen redemption of poor (falls into poverty) and enslaved (forced to sell self) have mercy, be generous and kind, remember God (38, 55) but (44-46) foreigners don’t apply

Application: The land that produces the goods we use belongs to God always. When people fall, God's people should help pick them up. "Combat natural disasters with acts of God". Why? Remember God who rescued you from slavery (your parents, parents, parents...).

C) God explains blessing for obedience and punishment for disobedience regarding covenant\vows

(26:1-13) Blessing for Obedience (no idol worship, keep Sabbath days of rest then rain, fruit, peace favorable look of God)

(14-46) Punishments for Disobedience (not listen, break covenant reject decrees, contempt refuse – help problems, break proud spirit, disaster (27, 36, 40, 44) countless second chances)

(27:1-34) Redemption of Gifts Offered to the Lord (vows and values – people, homes, property, fields, animal – never sold or bought back (28), 30 1/10 holy to Lord – bought back +20%

Application: Grace and mercy are the two side of the same coin. Living in grace and blessing is better than mercy and second chance. Will you decide to obey and follow through with obedience?  If you are not experiencing God's blessing, will you consider obeying God?