A Story Of Freedom… Well, it’s Hump Day and it is also Passover. You may ask, “Cyndy, isn’t that a Jewish holiday?” Yes, but it’s also a Story of Freedom! As believers in Jesus, Passover bears great significance for us, just as it has for the Jewish people for thousands of years. Think about it this way: it was never meant to be mere ritual, but an encounter with the Eternal One! Every year, about the same time, Christians get ready for Easter, while Jews get ready for Passover. So, what is the big deal with Passover? Is there a connection with Easter? Does it matter if I celebrate one or the other? Yes, and all the above!

This story is in Exodus of the Israelites journey to freedom when God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. The first instructions for the Passover were: on the 10th day of the first month of the year, a lamb was to be selected, brought home, inspected for 5 days to check for blemishes–the lamb had to be perfect. The lamb was to be killed at the time from when the sun starts to set until it’s completely gone down–approximately 3-6 p.m. Here is an interesting fact in regards to when Jesus died: in Mark 15:34-37 it says that Jesus finally died around the 9th hour of the day. The first hour of the day was at sunrise–approximately 6am. This makes the 9th hour around 3pm. Jesus died at the exact time that Passover lambs were being killed, according to Moses’ instructions in Exodus 12:6! Just like the instructions for the Passover Lamb, Jesus was tested for blemishes for 5-days, declared perfect by both Jew and Gentile yet was killed because He was perfect. B.C. & A.D. have come together and it certainly makes sense that Passover and Easter are intertwined!

The Passover Supper Jesus had with his disciples is now the Holy Communion we have. It’s like God is saying ‘from the beginning to where you are now, I AM THERE.’  The feast of Passover continually recalls the story of the miracle of God’s provision for His people. Part of Passover’s meaning for Christians is that it reminds us, like Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, that God fights on our behalf. Sometimes the battle is greater than you expect only because the victory God intends is also going to be greater than you expect!

This Journey to Freedom releases us from the bondage of sin. God is our deliverance. And, as the Lamb of God, we are invited to remember Jesus’ death and resurrection. Every time we observe Passover or the communion meal, we remember Jesus’ sacrifice. But there is one more journey that comes with this and that is: The Path to Victory! The Bible teaches that a period is coming when God will release judgments on the earth–not unlike those that befell Egypt. Anti-God forces will resist Him in a manner reminiscent of the pharaoh. But during that time, many will be protected just as they were in Egypt. Again, old and new together.

When our battles are greater than we expect and indeed that happens, let’s remember that the victory God intends is greater than our battles. Meanwhile, let’s rest in the fact that God will be with us as he was from the beginning. But then–at the appointed time, everything will change. The Messiah will return and effect full victory! And all nations from 1446 B.C. to today will join in the Exodus song because it’s for all people: (Exodus 15:1-3-17-18 ERV) Then Moses and the Israelites began singing this song to the Lord: “I will sing to the Lord! He has done great things. He threw horse and rider into the sea. The Lord is my strength. He saves me, and I sing songs of praise to him. He is my God, and I praise him. You will lead your people to your own mountain. You will let them live by the place that you Lord, prepared as your home. It is the Temple, Lord, that you yourself built. “The Lord will rule forever and ever!”

Let’s join our voices with this victory song and praise our Passover God and our Easter Savior! AMEN.