This weekend will be filled with street parties, the magnificent spectacle of the royal flotilla sailing down the Thames, and a joyful celebration of a British tradition, and a wonderful woman who has served her country so well over the last 60 years.
But, as we have seen over the last few days, the idea of Jubilee in the Bible is filled with a much richer meaning.
The Bible is one book, one story. And at its centre is Jesus, who is the fulfillment of all the law. Yes, even of the law of the Jubilee celebration. How?
Rest: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11 v 28
Rejoice: “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven…" Luke 6 v 22-23
Reliance: "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6 v 31-33
Restoration: "In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." John 14 v 2-3
Release: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down ... And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4 v 19-21
So let's join in the praise for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, but reserve our full passion and joy for the One True King - Jesus our Lord. He's our real Jubilee.
From all of us at The Good Book Company, have a great weekend.
Tim Thornborough founded The Good Book Company in 1991. Today his roles include Chairing The Good Book Company Trust and working with the Rights team to grow TGBC's international reach. He is the author of The Very Best Bible Stories series and has contributed to many books published by TGBC and others. Tim is married to Kathy, and they have three adult daughters.
