How does "reckon the time" in Leviticus 25:50 emphasize accountability today? Setting the Scene: Leviticus 25:50 “He shall reckon with the one who bought him. The price of his release shall be based on the number of years from the year he sold himself until the Year of Jubilee. The cost of his redemption shall be based on the daily rate of a hired worker.” Why “reckon the time” matters • Reckoning is a careful calculation, not a guess. • Time—down to individual days—is treated as measurable and valuable. • Freedom, money, and justice are all tied to an honest, time-based accounting. Timeless Principle: Built-in Accountability • God ties redemption to exact years served; nobody can pad the bill. • The owner must keep transparent records; the servant can verify them. • Both parties stand under divine oversight, not human whim. Echoes Throughout Scripture • Romans 14:12: “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” • Luke 16:2: “Give an account of your stewardship.” • Colossians 4:1: “Masters, grant your servants justice and fairness.” • Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Accountability Applied Today • Workplace ethics – Clear job descriptions and measurable expectations mirror the Jubilee standard. – Fair compensation for time worked safeguards both employer and employee. • Financial stewardship – Budgets and receipts echo the biblical call to “reckon.” – Avoiding debt slavery honors the redemption motif of Jubilee. • Personal time management – Numbering days curbs procrastination and waste. – Stewarding hours recognizes each moment as God-given. • Leadership and authority – Transparent policies reflect God’s demand for just reckoning. – Regular reviews and audits protect the vulnerable and restrain abuse. Redemption Still on the Clock • Just as the servant’s freedom cost a calculable price, Christ’s sacrifice paid ours in full (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Because the price is settled, believers now steward life until the ultimate “Jubilee” of Christ’s return (Ephesians 5:15-16). • The call to “reckon the time” sharpens vigilance, integrity, and gratitude in every arena of life. |
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