In yesterday's reading of Leviticus 25 we read about the Sabbath that was to be given to the land every seven years. In today's reading of Leviticus 27, we read about redeeming people or property dedicated to God as well as tithing the fruit of the land. Personally it would be easier to comment on my reading of Acts 13! (Love the book of Acts!) But I was just reading some thoughts in inspiration regarding the "Sabbath for the land" spoken of in Leviticus 25, so I'm going to share here as these thoughts have helped me understand better what was going on in God's commands regarding care of the land. I've made bold a few parts that jumped out to me. (So this blog is kind of an addition to yesterday's thoughts! But I think it all flows together as we see the big picture.)
“Wherefore ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments,” He declared, “and ye shall dwell in the land in safety. And the land shall yield her fruit and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety. And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase; then will I command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years. And ye shall sow the eighth year, and eat yet of old fruit until the ninth year; until her fruits come in ye shall eat of the old store.” {Ms121-1899.15}
The children of Israel were given laws and regulations which would give all nations on the earth a true idea of God’s kingdom and government. As a nation, as families, as individuals, they were to obey these laws. They were to be a kingdom of priests and princes. Those who felt their entire dependence on God, looking to Him for instruction and relying upon Him for power to carry out His plans in the vineyard they were to cultivate, would receive the largest blessing and revenue. {Ms121-1899.16}
Adam and Eve lost Eden, and because of their sin the land was cursed; yet if God’s people obeyed His requirements and followed His directions in regard to tilling the soil, the land would be brought back to a prosperous and beautiful condition. Men were to cooperate with God in restoring the diseased land to health, that it might be a praise and a glory to His name. And as the land they possessed would if managed with skill and earnestness, produce its treasures, so their hearts, if controlled by God, would reflect His character. {Ms121-1899.17}
But if because of selfishness and covetousness men felt capable of managing without the wisdom of God, if they looked upon the land as their own, and refused to give it a sabbath, it would lose its vigor, and dearth and sickness would testify to their disobedience. {Ms121-1899.18}
In the laws which God gave for the cultivation of the soil, He was giving the people opportunity to overcome their selfishness and become heavenly-minded. Canaan would be to them as Eden if they obeyed the word of the Lord. Through them the Lord designed to teach all the nations of the world how to cultivate the soil so that it would yield healthy fruit, free from disease. The earth is the Lord’s vineyard, and is to be treated according to His plan. Those who cultivated the soil were to realize that they were doing God service. They were as truly in their lot and place as were the men appointed to minister in the priesthood and in work connected with the tabernacle. God told the people that the Levites were a gift to them, and no matter what their trade, they were to help to support them. Especially were those tilling the soil to bring in the rich treasures of the earth for the sustenance of the Levites. {Ms121-1899.19}
Interesting... I wonder if giving the land a "Sabbath" every seven years now would also be a benefit? I expect so...
Tomorrow's Reading: Numbers 2-3 and Acts 14
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