Reflection
What God Did For Us

Sunday June 4, 2023 - Pastor Wungreiso Valui

Leviticus 25:11-23

That fiftieth year shall be a Jubilee to you; in it you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of its own accord, nor gather the grapes of your untended vine. For it is the Jubilee; it shall be holy to you; you shall eat its produce from the field. -Leviticus 25:11-12

The Message:

In this sermon, our focus is on the faithfulness of God and the blessings that come from experiencing His provision. At the end of the sermon, I will share practical steps for engaging in a sabbatical reflection.

God's Provision in the Year of Jubilee

Verse 11: That fiftieth year shall be a Jubilee to you; in it you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of its own accord, nor gather the grapes of your untended vine.

• A. In Leviticus 25, God instructs every fiftieth year, the Israelites were to observe a special time of rest for the land.
• B. During this year, they were not to sow or reap what grew naturally, nor gather the grapes from the untended vine. Instead, they were to rely solely on God's provision.
• C. If we obey God, even in situations that may seem illogical, we can rely on His provision for all our needs. If we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we can rest assured that He will supply us with all the practical necessities (Matthew 6:33).

Teaching Point: During the year of Jubilee, they were instructed not to engage in their usual agricultural activities. People were to obtain food wherever they could find it. This command may seem unusual, but it held a deeper purpose.

• I. Faith: The Jubilee year required faith in God's provision. By refraining from sowing and reaping, the people had to trust that God would provide for their needs during this time.
• II. Family: The Jubilee year allowed them to spend quality time with one another, strengthening their familial bonds.

God's Faithfulness in Our Lives

Verse 12: For it is the Jubilee; it shall be holy to you; you shall eat its produce from the field.

• A. The people were permitted to eat the produce that naturally grew in the fields this year.
• B. This passage reveals the faithfulness and provision of our Heavenly Father.
• C. God's promise to bless the sixth year's harvest reminds us that natural limitations do not bind Him. His provision surpasses human understanding.

Teaching Point: The Jubilee year was not only a time of rest and trust in God, but it was also considered holy. Just as He provided for the Israelites during the Year of Jubilee, He continues to care for us today.

• I. Faith: The holiness of the Jubilee reminds us of the sacredness of resting in God's provision. It teaches us to have faith in Him even in times when we might feel uncertain or without control.
• II. Food: The abundance of produce during the Jubilee year highlights the importance of gratitude for the sustenance we receive and encourages us to enjoy the blessings provided by God.

Trust in God's Provision

Verse 20: 'And if you say, "What shall we eat in the seventh year, since we shall not sow nor gather in our produce?"

• A. Trust in God's provision: The Year of Jubilee teaches us to place our trust in God's provision.
• B. Even in times of scarcity, God is faithful to meet our needs.
• C. We must have faith that He will provide for us according to His perfect timing.
• D. How would the people survive without sowing or reaping? The Lord anticipated their concerns and addressed them in verses 20-22.

Teaching Point: The people expressed concern about their food supply during the seventh year, questioning how they would sustain themselves without sowing and harvesting.

• I. Faith: The people's question reflected their doubt and uncertainty. However, it serves as a reminder for us to trust in God's promises and provision, even when circumstances seem challenging or impossible.
• II. Food: The concern about sustenance during the non-sowing year reminds us of the importance of food for survival. It underscores the significance of food as a basic need and highlights the need for gratitude and stewardship.

Rest in God's Sovereignty

Verse 21: Then I will command My blessing on you in the sixth year, and it will bring forth produce enough for three years.

• A. The Year of Jubilee also reminds us of the importance of rest.
• B. When we rest in God's sovereignty, we acknowledge He is in control.
• C. We can find peace knowing that He holds the world in His hands.

Teaching Point: In response to the people's doubts, God promised to bless the sixth year's harvest, providing enough produce to sustain them for three years.

• I. Faith: God's promise of blessing demonstrates His faithfulness and ability to provide beyond our expectations. It encourages us to have faith and trust in His provision, even when it seems unlikely or uncertain.
• II. Food: God's abundant blessing in the sixth year reminds us that He is the ultimate source of provision. It teaches us to rely on Him for our sustenance and to be grateful for His abundant blessings.

Gratitude for God's Blessings

Verse 22: And you shall sow in the eighth year, and eat old produce until the ninth year; until its produce comes in, you shall eat of the old harvest.

• A. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. We must remember that all we have comes from the hand of God.
• B. Be thankful for His provision and never take it for granted.

• I. Faith: The resumption of sowing in the eighth year reflects the importance of faith in God's timing. It teaches us that sometimes we need to patiently wait for the right season to act, trusting in God's timing.

Practical Steps For Reflection

• I. Set aside dedicated time: Carve out specific periods throughout the week for reflection. This could be in the form of scheduled quiet time, journaling sessions, or prayer walks.
• II. Review personal growth: Take stock of your personal and spiritual growth during this sabbatical period. Reflect on any significant moments or lessons learned.
• III. Revisit significant experiences: Look back on the various locations and activities that were part of your sabbatical journey. Reflect and consider any specific revelations or moments of clarity from these experiences.
• IV. Assess habits and rhythms: Evaluate the habits and rhythms you have developed during your sabbatical. Which practices have been life-giving and transformative? Identify any areas where you can continue to incorporate these practices into your daily life moving forward.
• V. Develop gratitude and thanksgiving: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude as you reflect on the blessings and opportunities that have come your way during this sabbatical. Express thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness and provision throughout this journey.
• VI. Consider future implications: How might the insights and lessons learned during this sabbatical shape your future? How can you carry these experiences and growth into your everyday life, relationships, and ministry? Reflect on practical steps you can take to apply these lessons moving forward.
• VII. Seek God's guidance: Spend intentional time in prayer, seeking God's wisdom and guidance for the next steps of your journey. Allow Him to speak into your times of reflection and provide clarity on His plans for your future.

Sabbatical reflection is a process that unfolds over time. Embrace the opportunity to delve deeper into your relationship with God, gain fresh perspectives, and discover insights that will continue to shape your life beyond the sabbatical period.

As we ponder the story of the Year of Jubilee, let us be reminded of God's unwavering faithfulness. He is the Provider of all things, and His blessings surpass our human understanding. Just as the Israelites ate from the produce of the land during the Year of Jubilee, we too can feast on the goodness of God in our lives.

Trust in His provision, rest in His sovereignty and cultivate a heart of gratitude for all He has done. Let us look to Him as our Provider, Sustainer, and Source of all blessings.