Deuteronomy 15 -- Unfulfilled

The word that came to mind as I read this was “unfulfilled”.  My commentary said many people today think it takes a great act of faith just to tithe 10% of their income!  And here God says, “Don’t plant crops every seven years to let the land rest and I’ll take care of you.”  Furthermore, the Year of Jubilee fell right after a Sabbath Year, requiring the Jewish people to have great faith that God would provide for two years plus the planting season of the third year.  Unfortunately, there’s no record in the Bible that they ever fulfilled this faith requirement.  No Year of Jubilee appears to have been observed.

Also, every seven years they were to cancel the debts (or possibly just the debt payments for that year – scholars don’t agree), which would be huge for those who lend.  But (wheels are turning now), God also warned them not to hedge in their lending as those Sabbath years neared, trying to game the system to cut their losses.  God said, “Give freely to the poor person, and do not wish that you didn’t have to give … Beware of evil thoughts.”  He knows our thoughts and knows how selfish and untrusting we can be and He wants to develop our faith.

Also, Jewish indentured servants were to be set free after working for six years to pay off debts.  God commanded the person they were serving to send them away with animals, grain, and wine to give them a new start, because that’s what God did through the Egyptians as the Israelites left Egypt.

“The Sabbath Year was a test of faith, but it was also a test of love … [Loaning money as the Sabbath Year neared] wasn’t a business proposition; it was a ministry to a brother.  If the wealthier Israelite closed his heart and his hand to the needy man, he would hurt his brother and grieve the Lord who had given him all the wealth he had.  Therefore, he was to open both his heart AND his hand to help his brother, and the Lord would see to it that he was compensated for his generosity,” my commentary explained.

Father, help me to see the needs You place before me.  Remind me to keep my heart and my hands open, knowing that You will compensate me.  After all, it’s Yours to give, not mine.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford