Day 29: Leviticus 25-27

Summaries:
God tells Moses that crops may be grown and harvested for 6 years, but in the 7th year, they are not to collect the harvest, but let the poor pick fromt he fields. In the 7th 7th year (49th or 50th), it is to be a Jubilee year, where everyone is to return to their original property, and the terms for redeeming their property is explained (25). God makes it clear that if the Israelites choose to remain obedient to God's commands, they will be greatly rewarded, but if they are disobedient, things will be very very very bad for them. If they return to God after disbeying, God will always remember his people and the covenant he made with them (26). Though that appears to be the end, the last chapter is like an added appendix, and it explains the expectations of how much is to be offered to God, and what does not need to be offered (27).

Reflections:
I think that God makes it very clear that he wishes for the Israelites to remain faithful to him and that he gives them these precepts, decrees and laws, not to enslave them, but to give them the keys to heaven, the path to Him, and the path to eternal happiness. He also makes it clear that should they choose not to obey God, then they are choosing death. Life and death are put before the Israelites, and before us today, and it is our decisions that are the most important. Ah, such is the gift of free will.