Shabbat Devotional
CURRENT PORTION
TORAH: Leviticus 25:1-27:34
PROPHETS: Jeremiah 16:19-17:14
GOSPEL: Matthew 16:20-28
Today’s reading begins with the rules for redemption of the land and the people through a Sabbath rest. These scriptures show how important every aspect of our lives is to the Lord our God, and how observing a Sabbath rest can restore us. All life is precious to our Creator—human life and all of His creation. We were given dominion over the land and creatures to care for them well and not take them for granted. We are not to think of ourselves more highly than others, which I believe is why the Year of Jubilee is so important.
During the Jubilee, everyone returned to their own property and the slate was wiped clean; both the people and the land were restored. “In this year of Jubilee everyone is to return to their own property” (Leviticus 25:13). As you continue reading, you see that the Jubilee was for all of creation—the Israelites, the foreigner, slave and free, and the land itself.
In chapters 26 and 27, God speaks about the rewards for obedience and the consequences of disobedience. In 26:3–9, God promises rain, peace, and His favor if His people follow His decrees and obey His commands. In contrast, 26:14–17 explains that disobedience brings terror, disease, bondage, and God setting His face against them. Obedience brings blessing; disobedience brings punishment. Yet God, in His great love, was not finished. In verses 40–42, He promises that if they confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors, He will remember His covenant.
God is so good, and He never forgets or goes back on His promises—not then and not now.
I clearly see a foreshadowing of the redemption of Jesus here and the many benefits of obedience. In his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul speaks of Jesus canceling the charge of our legal indebtedness and nailing it to the cross (Colossians 2:14). Some scholars say this was a cancellation of the law itself, but Jesus said He did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).
Jesus’ death canceled the charge against us, erasing the ultimate penalty for sin—eternal death. It did not erase the law so that we can live however we please. Sin still has consequences, and there are still beautiful blessings that come from walking in obedience. The law cannot save us because our hearts are deceitful and beyond cure (Jeremiah 17:9). The law reveals God’s heart but cannot stop our flesh from sinning. Only through trusting in Jesus, who nailed our penalty to the cross, can we conquer sin. He did it for us because He knew we could not do it without Him.
Today’s Torah portion reminded me of harvesting olives in the Negev desert with our friend Rotem. The Levitical practices of harvesting are still practiced. Helping bring in the first fruits of these trees brought the Bible to life for us. I know it can do the same for you!! Join us and see for yourself how the Land of Israel reveals God’s word to your heart! REGISTER TODAY TIME IS RUNNING OUT!!