Some rich families often leave huge inheritances to their children. Long ago, God gave his people a way to reduce poverty. He gave them the Sabbath Day. That break from work provided weekly rest to refresh their body, mind, and spirit for the coming week’s work. Every 7th year was to be a Sabbath year of rest for both people and land. In that year what grew on its own could be eaten, but the Sabbath Year was especially designed to provide food for the poor. After seven Sabbath Years-49 years, the people were to celebrate Jubilee. At the start of Jubilee, debt slaves were to be set free, and all mortgaged properties were to be returned to owners. One purpose of this was to keep wealth in the family so people would not be poor forever. These principles would strengthen their faith in God and reaffirm them as God’s Kingdom people. Today, followers of Christ live under the New Covenant. We are not obligated to follow the regulations of the Old Covenant. Yet we should still recognize the value of renewing our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. And our Lord expects us to follow economic principles that show our concern for the poor even as we pursue our own well being.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
