Christ in all the scriptures Year of Jubilee REDEMPTION

 Christ in all the scriptures

The Year of Jubilee--REDEMPTION Leviticus 25

One of the themes in the chapter is that of redemption, particularly the aspect of the Kinsman Redeemer.  Several times the word is used, as in v24, v25, v26, v29, v30, v31, v32, v48, v49, v51v54.  The subject is so vast, biblically, we cannot expound it here: suffice to say that it involves the return, the restoration of all that has been lost, because of sin, by means of a purchase price called a ransom.  Multiple and varied examples throughout the bible are:

Redemption of the planet earth   Romans 8v21 with Genesis 1v28

Redemption of the nation of Israel  Exodus 6v6, 12v51, 15v13, Isaiah 43v1 Luke 2v38

Redemption of the promised land  Leviticus 25v23-24

Redemption of the Church  Acts 20v28, Romans 3v24, Ephesians 1v7v14, 1st Peter 1v17-18

Redemption of the Tribulation saints  Revelation 5v9

Redemption of the human soul  Psalm 49v7-8

Redemption of the human body  Romans 8v23

Redemption from the curse of the law  Galatians 3v13

Redemption from this present evil world  Galatians 1v4

These and many more, like the redemption of the firstborn in every family; of the firstborn in all animals to be used in sacrifice, these reveal the extent of the losses due to sin, and the comprehensive nature of God's redemption.  The different words to describe this blessing range from "buying back"; buying out of"; "releasing"; "rescuing"; "delivering".  They are all delightful concepts worth studying in detail.  Not a "stone has been left unturned" by the Lord to restore conditions originally intended in creation.  It is the most marvellous reality for human beings who take advantage of it.  It does not depend on my worth or any achievement I can make, but on the priceless value of the blood of Christ.

In Leviticus 25, the thought is of the kinsman redeemer, a near relative, who can bail me out of trouble, whether of person or property.  This unique concept in scripture is illustrated in the book of Ruth, where the near kinsman Boaz redeemed all that Naomi had lost through circumstances beyond her control.  Bible scholars tabulate the responsibility of the kinsman redeemer as follows:

He must be a near kinsman, the nearest being first in order.  He must be able to pay the redemption price.  He must be willing to pay the full price.  He must assume all the liens and debts of the one being redeemed.  This left the person or property so redeemed free from any claim on them by others.  We can see how the Lord Jesus fulfils all these requirements and so becomes our Kinsman Redeemer.

He is our near kinsman-not only did He create us (and so no one closer than He); He became one of us the incarnation, when He took human flesh, as it is written, "Forasmuch as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same..."-Hebrews 2v14-15.  The purpose of this was to deliver us from the power of Satan, and the bondage in which he held us.  He is our Kinsman Redeemer.  He was able to pay the price, as being the only one able-refer Acts 20v28, Colossians 1v14, 2v14.  He was willing to pay the price-Romans 3v24 "Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus"-it costs us nothing, it cost Him everything!   He assumed responsibility for all our sins and transgressions-Colossians 2v14; 2nd Corinthians 5v21; 1st John 3v5.

We bask in the wonder of this, and so we should.  We have in Christ the forgiveness of sins-Ephesians 1v7.  We are justified from all things-Acts 13v39. We are redeemed from all iniquity, and now are a special people zealous of good works, instead of selfish and unholy pursuits-Titus 2v14.  We have been redeemed from our "vain conversation", an empty wasted life-1st Peter 1v18. This includes empty religion without Christ.  Ask yourself, what would you be doing right now without Him?  

In redemption, however, there is involved more than the blessings, there is also the aspect of responsibility.  The redeemed belong to the Redeemer, as in 1st Corinthians 6v19-20, "...ye are not your own.  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and spirit, which are God's".  God said to Israel, "I have redeemed thee, thou art mine".  This brings security and care, but it also brings responsibility.  In redemption, God owns us "lock stock and barrel", and expects our dutiful response.   Leviticus 25, which oozes with the practice of redemption, brings this out very clearly.  It is not so much about the year of Jubilee, as the effect the Jubilee had on their lives throughout the 50 years previous to it, and on the following years.  The Jubilee conditioned their behaviour, even down to the buying and selling of land and property, and their relationship to one another.  They had to adjust their dealings in light of it.  

They were to respect the will of the Lord for the land.

They were to release land and property to the original owners.  No land or property could be permanently held as it all belonged to the Lord.

Value of property and land was determined by the number of years to the Jubilee. 

They could not enslave their "brothers" (countrymen), but hire them until the Jubilee.

In all their dealings they were to treat one another respectfully. 

If money was lent because of need, they were forbidden to charge usury (interest),

They should at all times live and act in the fear of the Lord.

They must treat their brothers mercifully and with kindness.

They should respect the needs of strangers living among them, while ensuring they contribute to their society.

In like manner, the redeemed of the Lord today are to alter their demeanour in light of their ultimate redemption.  Time would fail us to go into the details, but the New Testament is replete with advice on how we should deport ourselves, as being disciples of the God of grace.  With redeemed souls, and soon to be with redeemed bodies, and inhabiting a redeemed earth, there ought to be a response now.   Paul wrote to the Galatian believers-chapter 2v20

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me"; this was his response to chapter 1v3-4 "Grace be unto you from     God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil world".