“At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release of debts.” Deuteronomy 15:1.
In Deuteronomy 15, there are some facts that are surprising. The chapter first tells the people that they should grant a release of debts every seven years. Then it tells that the people should show generosity to the poor. Next, it tells that you should free your servants in the seventh year of service. Finally, it says that all the firstborn animals should be sanctified.
My first response as I read the chapter was, ‘Man, that sounds really unfair.’ ‘I would hate to be the creditor, or the master.’ As the lender I have all the right to recollect what belongs to me! And for the servant, he/she is mine! At least that’s how it would look like in human point of view.
Yet, as you read into the chapter you will start to understand what God is intending for us to learn. First, God promises us His blessings. “For the Lord your God will bless you just as He promised you.” Deuteronomy 15:6. This promise is repeated once again in verse 18. It seems like we are at a loss when we cancel the debt or release the servants, but God has His way of blessing us when we listen.
Second, these instructions show us that we are all equal under God. Whether you are the creditor or the debtor, whether you are the master or the servant, in the end we are all His children. The condition to salvation does not depend on what you have or owe, but on your faith in Jesus and that makes us all the same.
Third, this is a good illustration of our salvation. As much as it seems it’s a loss for the creditor or the master, consider the freedom the debtor and the servant has received. It wasn’t deserved, yet given. It goes the same for us as we are slaves to sin. God has paid the price for us and therefore we can be freed and saved.