Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17
Several years back a group of teachers at the school I worked at traveled to New York City for professional development. We visited several Christian schools, sat in on classes, spoke with teachers and staff to gain fresh ideas and teaching methods we could implement in our school back in Michigan.
It was my first time in the “Big Apple”–and what a tremendous city! One of the most intriguing sites we visited was the Statue of Liberty. Lady Liberty stands 305 feet tall, surrounded by the serene waters of the New York Harbor. She is a powerful figure who has faithfully remained sturdy and firm throughout the years, but what she stands for far outweighs her massive size. She stands for liberty. For freedom.
Robed in magnificent glory, she holds a torch that penetrates the oppression of bondage. We too, hold the light of the illuminating freedom we have in Christ. As we enter into this new year, we can boldly claim our spiritual liberty in Christ. This is our year of freedom. Our year of Jubilee.
The Year of Jubilee
God commanded in Leviticus 25 that the people of Israel every 50th year declare a year of Jubilee; a year of freedom. The word jubilee in Hebrew is yowbel, which means a ram’s horn or trumpet. The blast of the horn signified the commencement of this monumental year (source).
During this year…
- everyone’s property was returned to their family (vs 13)
- slaves were freed from their masters (vs 39-41)
- a year of rest was declared over the fields; nothing was planted or gathered (vs 11)
- those in poverty and deep debt were given support (vs 35-38)
Though it is unclear whether the people of Israel actually implemented these laws, we can certainly proclaim a spiritual Jubilee over our own lives.
Instead of a yoke of slavery, God has removed our chains and released us from the bondage of sin. Instead of living in spiritual poverty, God has showered us with the abundant riches of eternal life. Instead of paying the insurmountable penalty of our sins, Jesus cancelled our debt and paid it in full–with the price of his very life.
We no longer live as homeless nomads, but have been given an eternal inheritance. God is preparing a magnificent heavenly dwelling for each of us–one that will never foreclose.
Do you hear the trumpet sounding? This is your year of Jubilee!
Jesus came to break our chains of bondage and clothe us in brilliant robes of liberty. Now we can hold our torches high and shine the light of his love and grace to those around us, showing them the way to freedom and fullness in Christ. [bctt tweet=”Jesus came to break our chains of bondage and clothe us in brilliant robes of liberty.” username=”christinbaker12″]
Are you living in your year of Jubilee, or do you find yourself shackled by the old residue of your past? It’s time to take off those prison garbs of oppression and put on your garments of freedom. Garments of liberty. Garments of joyous Jubilee.
The prophet Isaiah prophesied long ago that the Messiah would declare our year of redemption, our year of the Lord’s favor:
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor… Isaiah 61:1-2a
So how do we claim this year of Jubilee over our lives?
1. Claim the promises of God
Take some of your favorite Bible passages that pronounce the freedom you have in Christ. Read them daily. Read them aloud. Memorize them. Hang them in a prominent place in your home where you will see them often. Give yourself daily reminders that you are free! Here is a list of some of my favorites.
2. Keep yourself accountable
If there is an area that you desire to gain more freedom (spending more time in the Word, staying organized, getting free from anger, etc) surround yourself with a community of believers who will pray for you and hold you accountable.
3. Pray continually
Keep yourself connected to your lifeline; your source of strength. Thank God for the wonderful freedom you have in him.
Here is a prayer you can print and hang in your house as a reminder of the wonderful freedom we have in Christ! Just click the image to download.
So arise, dear sister! You are a lady of liberty. Hold your glowing torch of hope and point others to Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the path to true freedom.
What has the Lord freed you from? In what area of your life do you desire to walk in more freedom this year? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
Linking with Renee Young’s 2017 Word of the Year link up and all these lovely bloggers–check them out here!
Great post! I appreciate your suggestions on claiming the promises of God. Nothing is more powerful than taking in God’s Word in our lives on a daily basis. It’s a habit I desire to implement in my life even more in 2017. Thanks for your words of truth and grace!
Thanks so much Julie! I love to claim the promises of freedom we have in Christ. It is definitely something I need to do on a daily basis! Blessings to you this upcoming year! 🙂
Christin, what a lovely post! I love the idea of holding our glowing torch of hope to point others to Christ. What a wonderful way to start the new year! Wishing you a blessed and jubilant 2017 🙂 I’m visiting from Coffee for Your Heart link up.
Thanks Kathleen! Many blessings to you and your family in 2017!
Praise the Lord: “We no longer live as homeless nomads, but have been given an eternal inheritance.” So glad we were neighbors today at #GraceandTruth and didn’t miss your encouraging post. As we enter 2017, keep doing what you do to shine the light of freedom!
Thanks so much for your encouraging words, Karlene! I pray that you enter higher levels of freedom and victory in Christ this year! Blessings to you! 🙂
Christin, I feel so inspired and invigorated after reading this clarion call to claim victory in Christ. Thank you so much for calling us to enjoy the freedom we have in Him and walk tall as His daughters.
Wishing you blessings in the New Year.
Thank you so much Marva! We are truly His daughters, and can walk in His sweet freedom and victory! I pray that this year is filled with incredible blessings for you and your family!
Beautiful reminders of what is true of us in Christ. I am hoping to walk more confidently in His peace this year!
Thanks for stopping by, Amy! I pray you reach greater levels of freedom and victory in Christ this year! 🙂
Thanks Rebecca! Blessings to you! 🙂
Yes, where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty, have a blessed New Year.
Right there with you! Your post had me singing Days of Elijah!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjZ_IlP9c5A Wishing you God’s shalom in 2017! ~ Maryleigh
That’s such a great song, Maryleigh! “Lift your voice, it’s the year of Jubilee,
Out of Zion’s hill, salvation comes!” Praise the Lord for our year of freedom! Blessings to you! 🙂