Favorable Year?

Last week, rice and grain shortages among the global poor reached ‘newsworthy’ levels. Third world countries pay $13 in debt for every $1 they receive in grants. Without debt relief, these economies will continue to see oppressive poverty. Jesus said, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19) The "favorable year" is the jubilee when debt is forgiven, when land is returned, and when Sabbath is shared. Later in the same chapter, his message is rejected and his life is threatened by the people who watched him grow up because what he suggested was uncomfortable and unpopular. For us his people, those who are entrusted with the Good News—this Gospel—what does “jubilee” look like? What does setting the captive free look like? Try eating only one bowl of rice a day for one week and pray for the Good News to the poor. As I evaluate my own habits and practices, I wonder how I have missed this Gospel.