Israelites cannot be permanent slaves, because the people of Israel are the LORD’s slaves. He brought them out of Egypt; he is the LORD their God.

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: LEVITICUS 25:55
TODAY'S READING:
Release of Slaves
39 If any Israelites living near you become so poor that they sell themselves to you as a slave, you shall not make them do the work of a slave.40They shall stay with you as hired workers and serve you until the next Year of Restoration.41At that time they and their children shall leave you and return to their family and to the property of their ancestors.42The people of Israel are the Lord's slaves, and he brought them out of Egypt; they must not be sold into slavery.43Do not treat them harshly, but obey your God.44If you need slaves, you may buy them from the nations around you.45You may also buy the children of the foreigners who are living among you. Such children born in your land may become your property,46and you may leave them as an inheritance to your children, whom they must serve as long as they live. But you must not treat any Israelites harshly.
47Suppose a foreigner living with you becomes rich, while some Israelites become poor and sell themselves as slaves to that foreigner or to a member of that foreigner's family.48After they are sold, they still have the right to be bought back. A brother49or an uncle or a cousin or another close relative may buy them back; or if they themselves earn enough, they may buy their own freedom.50They must consult the one who bought them, and they must count the years from the time they sold themselves until the next Year of Restoration and must set the price for their release on the basis of the wages paid hired workers.51-52They must refund a part of the purchase price according to the number of years left,53as if they had been hired on an annual basis. Their master must not treat them harshly.54If they are not set free in any of these ways, they and their children must be set free in the next Year of Restoration.55Israelites cannot be permanent slaves, because the people of Israel are the Lord's slaves. He brought them out of Egypt; he is the Lord their God.
REFLECT
How were the people of God instructed to treat fellow Israelites who sold themselves as slaves? Today’s reading refers to the Israelites as “the LORD’s slaves.” What does being a slave of the LORD mean to you?
#PRAY
Holy God, I seek to obey your commands. Teach me your ways so that all I do and say this day is in accord with your will. I trust in your steadfast love and care. Amen.