Trusting God's Provision: Embracing Sabbath and Jubilee
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound teachings from the book of Malachi and explored the concept of Sabbath and Jubilee. The Lord calls us to bring the whole tithe into His storehouse so that there may be food in His house, emphasizing the importance of generosity and trust in God's provision. This act of bringing the tithe is not just about fulfilling a command but about ensuring that there is sustenance for all who come to the house of the Lord. It is a call to trust in God's abundance rather than our own efforts.
We also discussed the significance of Sabbath, a day of rest instituted by God from the very beginning. Sabbath is not merely a day off but a profound act of trust and obedience. It is a sign of the covenant between God and His people, symbolizing that it is God who makes us holy, not our labors. Jesus reinterpreted the Sabbath to emphasize its purpose for human freedom and well-being, rather than a burdensome religious obligation.
Furthermore, we explored the concept of Jubilee from Leviticus 25, a year of liberation and restoration that occurs every 50 years. During Jubilee, debts are forgiven, slaves are set free, and land is returned to its original owners. This radical practice underscores God's desire for justice, equity, and trust in His provision. Jubilee is a reminder that we are stewards, not owners, of the land and resources God has entrusted to us.
Both Sabbath and Jubilee challenge our cultural values of excess and commoditization. They call us to live in a way that reflects God's kingdom, where rest, trust, and generosity are paramount. These practices are not just Old Testament relics but eternal principles that the Church is called to embody today. They invite us to trust in God's provision, create rest for others, and live in a way that signals God's covenant with us to the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trust in God's Provision: Bringing the whole tithe into God's storehouse is an act of trust in His abundance. It ensures that there is enough for everyone who comes to His house, reflecting God's desire for generosity and provision. This act challenges us to rely on God's faithfulness rather than our own efforts. [09:49]
2. Sabbath as a Covenant Sign: The Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between God and His people, symbolizing that it is God who makes us holy, not our labors. Observing the Sabbath is an act of trust and obedience, reminding us to rest in God's presence and provision. [01:08:11]
3. Jesus' Reinterpretation of Sabbath: Jesus emphasized that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. He criticized the religious leaders for using the Sabbath to enslave people and instead highlighted its purpose for human freedom and well-being. This teaches us to prioritize service and love over rigid religious observance. [01:03:03]
4. Jubilee and Radical Trust: The concept of Jubilee, where debts are forgiven, slaves are set free, and land is returned, underscores God's desire for justice and equity. It challenges us to trust in God's provision and live as stewards, not owners, of the resources He has given us. [01:23:08]
5. Living Out Sabbath and Jubilee Today: Sabbath and Jubilee are not just Old Testament practices but eternal principles that the Church is called to embody. They invite us to create rest for others, trust in God's provision, and live in a way that reflects His kingdom values of justice, equity, and generosity. [01:31:44]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[09:49] - Bring the Whole Tithe
[21:32] - Trust in God's Faithfulness
[52:12] - Overburdened Land Series Introduction
[54:03] - Tending the Soil with Love
[54:52] - The Importance of Rest
[55:44] - Understanding Sabbath
[01:01:41] - Sabbath in Jesus' Time
[01:03:03] - Jesus Reinterprets the Sabbath
[01:04:38] - The True Purpose of Sabbath
[01:06:16] - God's View of Sabbath
[01:08:11] - Sabbath as a Covenant Sign
[01:10:16] - Resting with God
[01:12:22] - The Ten Commandments and Sabbath
[01:14:07] - Deuteronomy's Take on Sabbath
[01:16:03] - The Gift of Sabbath
[01:17:57] - Introduction to Jubilee
[01:19:24] - The Sabbath Year
[01:22:31] - The Year of Jubilee
[01:23:08] - Jubilee: A Year of Freedom
[01:24:16] - Returning to Family Property
[01:26:40] - God's Provision in the Sabbath Year
[01:28:23] - The Land Belongs to God
[01:29:23] - Setting Slaves Free
[01:31:07] - Jubilee in the New Testament
[01:31:44] - Living Out Jubilee Today
[01:32:39] - Love Creates Freedom
[01:34:12] - Trusting God Over Hard Work
[01:35:44] - Creating Rest for Others
[01:36:24] - Trusting God for Provision
[01:37:01] - The Value of Neighborliness
[01:40:16] - Closing Blessing and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Malachi 3:10: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."
2. Exodus 31:13: "Say to the Israelites, 'You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.'"
3. Leviticus 25:10: "Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each of you is to return to your family property and to your own clan."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Malachi 3:10 say about the purpose of bringing the whole tithe into God's storehouse? ([09:49])
2. According to Exodus 31:13, what is the Sabbath a sign of, and what does it signify about God’s relationship with His people? ([01:08:11])
3. In Leviticus 25:10, what are the key actions and outcomes associated with the year of Jubilee? ([01:23:08])
4. How did Jesus reinterpret the Sabbath according to the sermon, and what was His main criticism of the religious leaders' application of it? ([01:03:03])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does bringing the whole tithe into God's storehouse reflect trust in God's provision rather than our own efforts? ([09:49])
2. What does it mean for the Sabbath to be a sign of the covenant between God and His people, and how does this shape our understanding of rest? ([01:08:11])
3. How does the concept of Jubilee challenge our modern views on ownership and stewardship of resources? ([01:23:08])
4. Why did Jesus emphasize that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath, and how does this teaching impact our approach to religious practices? ([01:03:03])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current practice of tithing. How does it demonstrate your trust in God's provision? Are there ways you can grow in this area? ([09:49])
2. How do you currently observe the Sabbath? What changes can you make to ensure it is a day of rest and trust in God’s provision rather than just a day off? ([01:08:11])
3. Jesus reinterpreted the Sabbath to focus on human freedom and well-being. How can you prioritize service and love over rigid religious observance in your life? ([01:03:03])
4. The concept of Jubilee involves radical trust in God’s provision and justice. How can you apply the principles of Jubilee in your financial and relational dealings? ([01:23:08])
5. Consider the cultural values of excess and commoditization. How can you live in a way that reflects God's kingdom values of rest, trust, and generosity? ([01:31:44])
6. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to trust God’s provision. What steps can you take this week to surrender that area to Him? ([01:34:12])
7. How can you create rest for others in your community, especially those who are overburdened or marginalized? ([01:35:44])
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in God's Abundance
God calls us to bring the whole tithe into His storehouse, not just as a command to be followed, but as an act of trust in His provision. This act ensures that there is enough for everyone who comes to His house, reflecting God's desire for generosity and provision. By bringing the tithe, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God and that He is faithful to provide for our needs. This challenges us to rely on God's faithfulness rather than our own efforts. When we trust in God's abundance, we are freed from the anxiety of scarcity and can live generously towards others. [09:49]
Malachi 3:10 (ESV): "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own efforts rather than trusting in God's provision? How can you begin to trust Him more fully today?
Day 2: Sabbath as a Sign of Covenant
The Sabbath is a profound act of trust and obedience, symbolizing that it is God who makes us holy, not our labors. Observing the Sabbath is a reminder to rest in God's presence and provision, acknowledging that our worth and sanctification come from Him alone. It is a sign of the covenant between God and His people, a weekly opportunity to step back from our work and remember that God is in control. By keeping the Sabbath, we declare our dependence on God and our trust in His ability to sustain us. [01:08:11]
Exodus 31:13 (ESV): "You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, 'Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you.'"
Reflection: How can you intentionally set aside time to rest and remember God's provision in your life? What steps can you take to observe the Sabbath as a sign of your covenant with God?
Day 3: Jesus' Reinterpretation of Sabbath
Jesus emphasized that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. He criticized the religious leaders for using the Sabbath to enslave people and instead highlighted its purpose for human freedom and well-being. This teaches us to prioritize service and love over rigid religious observance. The Sabbath should be a time of joy, rest, and restoration, not a burdensome obligation. By following Jesus' example, we can use the Sabbath to serve others and promote their well-being, reflecting God's love and compassion. [01:03:03]
Mark 2:27-28 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.'"
Reflection: How can you use your Sabbath to serve others and promote their well-being? What changes can you make to ensure that your observance of the Sabbath is life-giving and restorative?
Day 4: Jubilee and Radical Trust
The concept of Jubilee, where debts are forgiven, slaves are set free, and land is returned, underscores God's desire for justice and equity. It challenges us to trust in God's provision and live as stewards, not owners, of the resources He has given us. Jubilee is a radical practice that calls us to live in a way that reflects God's kingdom values of justice, equity, and generosity. By embracing the principles of Jubilee, we can create a more just and equitable society, trusting that God will provide for our needs as we care for others. [01:23:08]
Leviticus 25:10 (ESV): "And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice the principles of Jubilee in your life today? How can you promote justice, equity, and generosity in your community?
Day 5: Living Out Sabbath and Jubilee Today
Sabbath and Jubilee are not just Old Testament practices but eternal principles that the Church is called to embody. They invite us to create rest for others, trust in God's provision, and live in a way that reflects His kingdom values of justice, equity, and generosity. By living out these principles, we can be a witness to the world of God's covenant with us. This involves not only observing the Sabbath and practicing Jubilee but also advocating for policies and practices that promote rest, justice, and equity in our society. [01:31:44]
Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"
Reflection: How can you embody the principles of Sabbath and Jubilee in your daily life? What actions can you take to promote rest, justice, and equity in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When there will be more than enough, not just for us, but for all who come to the house of the Lord. So Lord, we worship you. We praise you. We give you thanks this morning because you are trustworthy. You are faithful to your promises. Your wonderful mercy. Seemingly endless patience." [21:32] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sabbath is something that God instituted from the beginning, and we'll recap what it is at its very onset in just a moment. But I want to give us the background. God foreknew in each of you and in us as people that we would be prone to overwork. God foreknew that we would be prone to the fear that causes anxiety, that causes busyness." [55:44] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath. And Jesus, observing that the religious leaders of his day were using Sabbath as a way to enslave people, condemned them in many ways, said, no, no, no, no, no, you've got it backwards. Men are not beholden to the Sabbath so that the Sabbath can be elevated above them. The Sabbath is given to men so that men may be free." [01:03:03] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Sabbath originated famously from the very beginning, the very, very beginning. Well, slightly after the beginning, six days later, on the seventh, technically. God created in six days, this is Genesis 2, and by the seventh day, he finished the work. So on the seventh day, he rested from all his work." [01:08:11] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Sabbath, like the sign of his covenant with us, as our husband and we his bride, he will provide, he will protect. In verse 23, the land must not, not be sold permanently because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers. This is the year of Jubilee, according to the law of God." [01:28:23] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We are in the middle of a series called Overburdened Land, where we explore how God desires us to interact with the earth itself, the very soil and dirt, the ground underneath our feet, the way that God teaches us to observe our whole community, his church, his bride, as his vineyard, whom he loves and wants to see good fruit growing from, and the soil even of our own hearts." [52:12] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so why, coming out of slavery, did God command Sabbath? Well, because he was teaching them how to be like him. Right? Because God rested on the seventh. I rested on the seventh. Going into the promised land where they will receive their inheritance. Why are they commanded to practice Sabbath? So they don't reinstate the yoke of bondage of slavery on others." [01:14:07] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so the crux of this sermon about rest and jubilee and what it means for you and for us as a church and for the greater body of Christ at large is simply trust God enough to say that even though it feels like I can't, we can. And he will provide more in the sixth year than you need for the three years to come. Test him in this." [01:35:44] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sabbath and jubilee were not things that were forgotten as relics of the old covenant by the church, but they were recognized as God's eternal reality that we get to live into now with all of our neighbors and into all of the places that he sends us. Never owners. Always stewards. Sabbath is about freedom. Jubilee is about freedom." [01:32:39] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And beloved, I also think we need to consider not only the ways we can rest, but the ways that we can create rest for others. There's barely enough for me, surely not enough for them. Or more poignantly, I need cheap labor or my society won't exist the way it does anymore." [01:35:03] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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