The world economy continues to dominate headlines and will continue to do so for months into the future. Why are America and the world experiencing this upheaval? There are many fundamental causes for this crisis, but there is one prime reason that you will not hear in any other news report.

Most people do not understand the Bible lays out a financial blueprint for economic stability. You can read about it in Leviticus 25. It is called the law of the Jubilee. Essentially, it is a 50-year cycle of land and debt management, which covers virtually all aspects of an economy. God laid down the law as part of ancient Israel's constitution. It sets forth a balanced and equitable system that, when followed, could create wealth, social equity and strong families. Many of the social ills found among modern nations could be alleviated through this system revealed by God in the Bible.

The problem is that no nation has ever followed the law of the Jubilee. Not even ancient Israel, to whom it was given, practiced its principles for long. No country today would even dare implement its principles. It is a forgotten law.

But one day this will change. The time is coming when this law will be at the heart of God's economic system for the world. But you don't have to wait to begin understanding God's wisdom in regulating national economies. Recently I gave a short talk about the Jubilee to a meeting of the United Church of God. I encourage you to take the time to view this and gain an introduction to this most fascinating topic.  I think it will help you better understand why we have to go through the cycles of economic downturn.

Lion of Jordan

I recently read a fascinating book about the late King Hussein of Jordan. The book, Lion of Jordan: The Life of King Hussein in War and Peace, was written by Avi Shlaim, a professor of international relations at Oxford. In addition to its value as a biography, the book is a very enlightening record of the struggle for peace in the Middle East since the founding of the state of Israel in 1948. The author's point of view is different from that with which many of our readers are acquainted.

One of the intriguing threads of the story is King Hussein's secret diplomacy with Israel over the years. The king had a doctor in London whose home was used as a meeting place with Israeli officials. Other secret meetings are described where the king would pilot himself to a rendezvous or meet in a car in the desert with officials to discuss problems and conflicts. All of this was done as the many wars and skirmishes were breaking out over the years. 

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is unique among the Arab states of the Middle East. From its creation after World War I to its present status as a prosperous haven for refugees, it is an improbable country. How it has survived in this tough neighborhood is nothing short of a miracle.

I have made two trips to Jordan in recent years and find it a hospitable and pleasant place. Its people are friendly and there is optimism on the streets. People tell stories of their beloved King Hussein and you can tell there is genuine affection for the man and his legacy. This book will give you a better understanding of the story of Jordan and the Hashemite family. I highly recommend it.

Thanksgiving

For our American readers this Thursday is our national day of Thanksgiving. Despite the gloomy economic news, it is a day set aside to reflect on the abundant bounty of the country. America is having its problems, but it is still a fabulously wealthy and prosperous nation.

I encourage you to pause and give God thanks for the blessings of this land. God's guiding hand is still upon the country. If Americans could only acknowledge this fact and submit themselves to Him in a heartfelt change to match the times, perhaps He would bring them through the current trials in safety. It is something to pray about this weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving, and keep watching!