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REFLECTION 

‘Living distinctly and radically’ is the theme for our reflection today. To live distinctly and radically means to live a type of life that is totally different from others and pleasing to God. It also means following the will of God rather than our own will and desires in Glorifying God and maintaining a just society. We shall discover that a critical study of the law concerning the weekly observation of the Sabbath according to Exodus 20:8-11 has two important factors. The first is to ensure that human beings and animals used for farm work rest and secondly, believers honour God, meditate on His Word and reflect on their relationship with Him. In the same manner, today’s Scripture, Leviticus 25:1-17 extends the law of the Sabbath to every seventh year and the focus is to allow the land used for farming to remain fallow for a year (Leviticus 25:1-4). Obviously, as the land remains fallow the farmers and animals used for farming will rest. The society then focuses on their relationship with one another and their relationship with God. Imagine returning to work after a whole year fully revitalised emotionally, physically, psychologically and spiritually. As God’s people, we must live distinctly and radically to achieve God’s plan and purposes for our lives and also to fulfil His will. Living distinctly and radically according to God’s commandment allows us to overcome the stress and mental health issues we go through as a result of continuous work in a stressful environment.

 Many believers focus so much on their work to the extent that they pay little or no attention to their health and their relationship with God. It is important to take a break after days, weeks and years of continuous work. God is able to provide all our needs during our time of break. The Israelites were instructed that during the time of the Sabbath, the fallow land would produce food on its own for them to eat, they need not work it (Leviticus 25: 5-7). This is the act of trusting God to supply our needs according to His grace and divine providence. Anxiety makes people doubt God, some people chase after the endless acquisition of wealth by working day and night without resting and having time for their health, spiritual lives and family. Jesus teaches us “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:31-34). Living distinctly and radically means trusting God and following His will and commandments for our lives even as we embrace his sufficient grace and providence.

Again, today’s Scripture reading (Leviticus 25:1-17) points us to the fact that the Israelites after observing the Seven Sabbath years continuously mark the year after the Seventh Sabbath year in the series of Seven years as the year of Jubilee. In other words, seven by seven is forty-nine, the forty-ninth year is the last Sabbath year of the series of seven years and the year after the forty-ninth year is the Jubilee year which marks the fiftieth (50th) year. The purpose of the Jubilee year was to rest and also to declare liberty to all Jews and Jewish slaves and the return of properties to debtors. Creditors must give debtors access to their lands and give them time to defray debt owed to the creditor. The debt shall be paid with crops and debtors shall harvest from their land until the debt amount is fully paid to the creditor. (Leviticus 25:8-17). The celebration of Jubilee and its significance of liberty to all people who have lost property or have become slaves as a result of their indebtedness is a call to living a life that is distinct from the world and radically pleases God. Living distinctly and radically enables the community of faith to start life afresh, allow people to pay off their debts, repossess their land and work their way to prosperity. The point is that we should help others revive their lives and desist from being beneficiaries of people’s predicament. In other words, we are admonished as believers not to enslave people because of their poverty, vulnerability and indebtedness to us. This calls for a kind of life that is distinct and radical from the standards of the world. We must endeavour to help one another succeed in life. Jesus brought us liberty therefore we must come to a level in life where we are able to forgive others and help them come out of their misery because of our faith and salvation in Jesus. Jesus has taught “Freely you have received; freely give. (Matthew 10:8)

In summary, we have meditated on the theme “Living distinctly and radically” We have observed that God has purposely given us His commandment for His glory and our common good. Living distinctly and radically sets us apart from the standards of the world and enables us to maintain a godly, just and restorative society.  

PRAYER

ALMIGHTY GOD, IN OBEDIENCE TO YOUR WORD, STRENGTHEN US TO LIVE DISTINCTLY AND RADICALLY TO GLORIFY YOUR HOLY NAME AND TO MAINTAIN A GODLY, JUST AND RESTORATIVE SOCIETY. AMEN