Rest and restoration

Scripture: Leviticus 25:1-55

Sermon notes 

Leviticus #36 : Rest and restoration         Leviticus 25:1-55

There are two connected instances of Sabbath keeping for the land in this chapter. The Divine instruction in these matters specifically relates to the land of Israel but also has wider implications for the whole earth. The same Hebrew word is used for both concepts—the ‘land’ and the ‘earth’.

1. A Sabbath/rest year every seventh year.
2. A jubilee year which was an extended Sabbath, every fiftieth year.

The term Sabbath prompts a backward look to a sinless and perfect earth. It contemplates creation fresh from the hand of God. The jubilee year was a special instance of a Sabbath that envisaged a restoration to original conditions prevailing when God gave Israel the land. As such it foreshadows/represents the time when God will restore the earth to something of its original Sabbath state. Cp Rom 8:19-21, Acts 3:19, 21, Matt 19:28.

I  MAN IN HIS USE OF THE EARTH IS TO ACKNOWLEDGE GOD THE CREATOR.

How to use the earth and its resources rightly is determined by our view of God.

1. This Sabbath rest for the land had God as its focus. Cp v2, 4. It was observed in every practical detail necessary with reference to Him. He claims sovereign ownership of the earth/land. Cp v23, Deut 10:14, Ps 24:1.
2. Regulation.
3. Sowing and reaping, v3-5. The cultivation of the earth and reaping its resources is defined here for OT Israel. It was to be used but not abused. Here is true conservation! Cp Deut 20:19-20.
4. Jubilee. Cp v23-24. The land and its disposition was within the sovereign control of God. Every 50 years there was to be a ‘reset/restart’ required that took the land back to its original plan of allotment. The focus was especially on the land itself, v29-30. Houses in cities were exempt from these rules because they were regarded as a temporary addition to the land. This ‘reset’ could be partially accomplished by redemption in individual cases in the interval. This is a striking use of the term and again the focus is upon the work of Divine grace, v42, 55.

II  THE BENEFITS OF SUBMITTING TO GOD’S DOMINION OF THE EARTH.

Submission to God’s order had a beneficial effect on the land and its occupants.

1. Temporal. The productivity of the earth was affected. Cp v6, 19. Every living thing in the land would benefit, v6-7.
2. Special provision for obedience, v20-22. Here is evidence of the direct Divine manipulation of the earth’s natural processes to favour those who obey Him.
3. The disposition of the people. The spirit of the people obediently working within this model was affected. Cp v14-17, 35-39, 43, 46. Every transaction of this nature was done in the light of the looming jubilee when God would restore the original order of their possessions.

III   RESTORATION OF A PORTION IN THE LAND ONCE IT HAD BEEN LOST.

1. Various circumstances could lead to such a loss. Cp v25, 35, 39. Here are conditions that illustrate the effect of sin upon the earth and its inhabitants. Bankruptcy, ruin, loss of the portion God had given.
2. Restoration by redemption. This is seen in the practices that the Lord regulated for the recovery of land, houses, persons etc. A price was paid for the recovery of the loss. It was a price based upon the worth of the person/possession relative to the day jubilee. The great restoration in the jubilee was announced on the day of atonement, v9. The connection between the two was to be clearly seen.