The Bible's Business PlanSample

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to pro­claim the favorable year of the Lord” Luke 4:18-19 [1]NASB

[1] citing Isaiah 61:1–2

BUSINESS BIBLE

Every seven days, the Sabbath day is observed; every seven years, the Sabbath year releases indentured workers; and every fifty years, the Sabbath Jubilee brings an end to all work, the forgiveness of debts, and the return of family land to people who had been forced to sell.[1] According to Isaiah, “the favorable year of the Lord” will initiate the re­building of ruined cities, and shame and disgrace will be replaced by God’s blessing and joy.[2]

Jesus declares that this Scripture “has been fulfilled”[3] and inaugurates his ministry by announc­ing the Jubilee, “the favorable year of the Lord”— including rest from work, forgiveness of all debts, and prisoners set free. The Jubilee is an economic policy. Many follow Jesus for his teaching, miracles, forgiveness of debt, or hope for political deliverance. Jesus announcing the Jubilee ex­plains “how” thousands can follow Jesus—because they are free from work.

Trumpets and rams’ horns are blown on the Sabbath to begin the Jubilee and point to the Messiah. Jesus came by the Way of the Sea, and in Christ the Jubilee is fulfilled just as the prophet Isaiah predicted.[4]

[1] Leviticus 25

[2] Isaiah 61:2–9

[3] Luke 4:21

[4] Isaiah 9:1; 61:1–2

PRAY

Lord, help me to rest from work and forgive debts.