Tag: passover

Celebrate Him

*2 Chronicles 29-30

Psalm 83

2 Thessalonians 3

-Devotion by Rachel Cain (OH) – with questions sprinkled throughout

A few weeks ago my family gathered with friends to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the independence of the USA! The long and epic gathering began with a festive city parade, continued at a cookout replete with red and blue fruits, and culminated in a colorful explosion of fireworks. 

The Israelites have their own sort of Independence Day known as Passover, which commemorates when they were freed from slavery under Pharoah and began their journey to the land of liberty that God had promised to give them. In today’s reading, Hezekiah wanted the scattered tribes of Israel to reunite for an overdue, epic Passover Celebration, but because the priests weren’t consecrated in time, they decided to hold the Passover a month late. 

Better late than never! Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. An ancient Chinese proverb states, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today.”

What is something that God has been nudging you to do for Him? Take steps to obey today! 

Hezekiah invited all the separate tribes (who were divided by more than just location – this was likely a deep cultural and political rift) to come together to worship and remember God’s provision together. Some tribes ridiculed the couriers who delivered this invitation of repentance and celebration; however, a few groups set aside their differences, humbled themselves, and joined the party. Those in attendance were not all ritually clean, but Hezekiah prayed for God to honor the hearts of those who had come to honor Him. God responded with grace and accepted the people’s repentant hearts. 

God looks deep into the intentions of our hearts. We see repeatedly in scripture that God wants people who are not just going through the motions, but who truly desire to live for Him. 

How have you seen evidence in Scripture of God looking at the heart and motives over rituals? Are there any examples of this in your life or the lives of others?

In a culture that praises pride of all kinds and promotion of self even at the expense of others, it’s refreshing to read about divided nations humbling themselves to seek God as one body. One of my favorite Sundays of the year is when a local organization called Declare joins with area churches for a worship gathering in our town square. What a fantastic opportunity to commune with a variety of believers who, despite deep doctrinal differences, choose to meet together for the sole purpose of praising God and serving our city together. 

God wants us to come together as one body for His Mission. We must set aside our disagreements so we can accomplish more together than we can apart! 

In what ways might you be called to unite and serve with others on the common ground of Faith? 

Hezekiah’s gathering turned out to be the most joyful Passover celebration in over 200 years! Even though they missed a few requirements of the law, God saw that His people were drawing near to him, and He appreciated their renewed commitment. Celebrating together reminded the people who they were – and WHOSE they were. They remembered their true identity. 

In this world of confusion and mistaken identities, don’t forget who (and Whose) you are. What steps can you take to get back to the root of your true identity as a new creation in Christ? (Read the Bible, join a small group, engage in prayer, seek wise and godly counsel, worship and seek God with like-minded believers, cut off distractions so you can focus more on God’s purpose for you…. Those are just a few ideas!). 

While we’re on the topic of Passover… I want to encourage you to experience it for yourself sometime! There is so much rich significance in all the little details of a Passover seder. Our family has celebrated Passover at a basic level for several years, but earlier this year we learned a powerful part of the Passover that we had never practiced before (and which was likely practiced at Hezekiah’s Passover), called the Dayenu. The closest translation in English that we have to the meaning of the Hebrew word dayenu is, “it would have been enough.” The original dayenu has statements representing the 15 gifts God bestowed to the Israelites; the first five mention emancipation from slavery in Egypt, the next five describe some of the miraculous ways God provided for His people, and the last five share about the closeness to God among His people. Each of the stanzas is followed by the people stating, “Dayenu” (it would have been enough). I encourage you to look up the phrases recited/sung during the traditional Dayenu. What phrases would you add onto the original dayenu to represent God’s provision throughout history and in your own life? 

God has given us blessing after blessing, but even if he didn’t… what He has already done for us would be enough. Many of us tend to be so drawn to the things of this world, always wanting more and more, never fully satisfied nor willing to express, “it would have been enough”. But God has called us to a deep contentment and joy that is counter-cultural… almost as if we are citizens not of this world, but of a coming Kingdom (see Philippians 3:17-21). In his book Uncluttered Faith, Joshua Becker writes, “Once you become content with the things of the world that you possess, you are freed to pursue the kingdom of God. Contentment isn’t about settling. It’s about recognizing that you have enough, that it came from God, and that there are greater things to pursue than more of this world. Correctly understood, it’s acknowledgement that while you have enough, you also have so much potential in the kingdom that’s waiting to be unlocked” (p. 175).  

Write down specific ways that God might be calling you to eschew the materialism and negative mindsets that are so abundant in this culture so you can focus your time, talents, and treasures on what truly matters – the work of advancing His kingdom in unity with one another. 

Prayer

I leave you with the Priestly Blessing that was most likely spoken at Hezekiah’s Passover and is still a prayer for us all: 

The LORD bless you and keep you; 

the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; 

the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. 

Numbers 6:24-26

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Festivals

*Leviticus 23

Psalm 13

Matthew 26

Devotion by Emilee (Ross) Christian

Our reading in Leviticus lists the six festivals the LORD commanded the Jews to follow and observe. I thought it would be fun to take a deep dive into each. For each festival, I searched additional scriptures where it was mentioned. I also investigated how it is celebrated in today’s modern world.

Passover and Festival of Unleavened Bread

This is perhaps the most commonly known Jewish holiday. In our passage today, the festival is said to last seven days, the first and last days marked with a “holy assembly” and “no work.” This festival commemorates when the tenth plague passed over the Israelites in Egypt. This final plague ultimately led to their deliverance from Egyptian slavery. In scripture, Passover is seen as a time of rededication, purification, remembrance, and celebration. It is during this celebration the Last Supper takes place, and from this the Christian practice of communion. The reverence and sincerity in which passover is handled in the Old Testament is a reminder to us Christians of the mindset we should have when taking communion. The passover is still celebrated by Jews, today. Jewish families gather in their homes for a special meal called the Seder. During this, the story of the Israelites exodus from Egypt is read. Special food is served at this meal to symbolize aspects of the Jewish faith. 

Celebration of First Harvest

This celebration is marked by bringing sacrificial grain offerings from the first fruits of the crop to be presented to the LORD. It is also referred to as the Feasts of Firstfruits and is tied into the Festival of Harvest, yet still as a separate day of celebration, according to the text. I found it much more difficult to find information of this day alone as it is so closely related to the Festival of Harvest. From what I can tell, this day is no longer celebrated on its own. Yet, God made a distinction here, in Leviticus. I think part of that purpose is to show how God desires our worship and honor. God wanted a separate day set aside just for the first fruits of a crop. This was so he could be acknowledged as creator and giver of life. One way that we as Christians can continue this theme of gratitude for provisions is to pray before our meals. 

Festival of Harvest 

The Festival of Harvest, or Festival of Weeks, was later referred to as Pentecost and is known today as Shavout. It is to take place fifty days after the Celebration of the First Harvest. According to our text in Levitus, this festival was marked by various offerings of “pleasing aroma to the LORD” and a day or holy assembly in which no work was to be done. In Deuteronomy 16:9-12 it is described as a time of great celebration. The focus of the holiday in today’s age is no longer agricultural but instead serves as a time to celebrate the giving of the Torah. It is a sacred time in Jewish culture. It is observed with traditional foods, decoration of synagogues, and confirmation services. I think it’s incredibly special how practicing Jews set aside a time to remember and give thanks for their scriptures. How often do we as Christians pause and give thanks for our own Scriptures? When was the last time you honestly thanked God for the Bible? Perhaps we Christians could learn something from the modern day celebration of Shavout. 

Festival of Trumpets

The Festival of Trumpets is a day for holy assembly and no work. Specific offerings are to be presented. These are described in more detail in Numbers 29:1-9. During this celebration there is to be a blast of trumpets. I imagine this was the biblical version of setting off fireworks. This festival later became known as Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It is celebrated by traditional foods, such as sweet breads to signify the hopes of a sweet new year. The specific readings during services focus on God’s sovereignty, past deeds, and anticipation of the future. The instructions in Leviticus for this festival are unique as it shows music as an example of worshipful offering. This is something each of us are capable of doing. God wants to hear our praise in song and deed. 

Day of Atonement 

The Day of Atonement is the second most well-known Jewish holiday. It is known today as Yom Kippur. Leviticus 16 goes into further detail of the requirements for the Day of Atonement. It is a day of holy assembly, fasting, and offerings of purification made by the High Priest. Jesus is our High Priest and his sacrifice on the cross is symbolic of the offerings made on the Day of Atonement. It is considered one of the holiest days in Jewish culture. Today, it is marked by a time of fasting and confession. The Day of Atonement shows that God is in the business of reconciliation. He provides a path of redemption for all people. The Day of Atonement was a physical reminder of God’s covenant grace with his people. Jesus has allowed that same covenant of grace to extend to all people who come to Christ. 

Festival of Shelters

The Festival of Shelters is also referred to as Festival of Booths or Festival of Tabernacles. It is an eight day celebration. Days one and eight are characterized by holy assembly days and days of rest. On each day of the festival, specific offerings are to be made, detailed in Number 29:12-40. Deuteronomy 16:13-17 reveals it is to be a time of great joy and celebration, reflecting upon the good harvest. Our text, Leviticus 23, instructs families to build tiny huts from branches to live in during the week of the Festival. This is to represent their time living in shelters after being delivered from Egypt. Today, this holiday is known as Sukkot. Interestingly enough, it is still widely celebrated in a similar fashion with families gathering in small temporary huts called sukkahs. This festival reminds us of the importance of pausing to thank God for all our many blessings. It is meant to be a joyous celebration, where we are to rejoice in God’s goodness. We should have this attitude of praise daily, but it is also good to set aside time dedicated just for thankfulness. 

Questions: 

  1. What do you do to prepare yourself for communion?
  2. Do you pray before every meal? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think Christians take scripture for granted? How can we remember to treat God’s word with holiness? 
  4. Do you sing along during worship at church? Why or why not? Do you think you should start?
  5. In what ways is Jesus our High Priest?
  6. Can you think of a U.S holiday similar to the Festival of Shelters? Even though Thanksgiving is a long ways away, how will you plan to make this year’s celebration a holy time?

PRAYER:

Dear Lord God, You are so worthy of our worship. Help me daily, and in special ways and times, honor and celebrate You, Your scriptures (yes, including Leviticus), Your precious Son – the perfect High Priest we need, , the good gifts that You give, the good God that You are. Thank you for life and redemption, for your perfect plans through the ages, for music, prayer, communion, church, feasts, fasting and holidays. Help me to prepare well for the celebration that will surpass them all, when Your Son returns to earth to set up Your Kingdom for eternity.

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Holy Holidays

Numbers 28-30 

The biblical holidays are wonderful and believe me, I knew almost nothing about them growing up in Indiana until I lived in Israel. 🙂 I bite my tongue from saying, “Jewish” holidays as they are biblical holidays. So much meaning behind them, more so than most pagan based American holidays. One of the harder parts about leaving Israel was leaving the holidays.

In our passage today many sacrifices are named with the holidays, which no one is doing now. Also, the holidays were days of rest, set apart from other days. These holidays are still celebrated without sacrifices but with rest, stores close down!! I’m going to briefly give you a taste of these biblical holidays and how they’re celebrated today.

Shabbat: Late every Friday afternoon public transportation, sport games, and stores CEASE, yes, the MALL included, to usher in the shabbat a day of REST. Families eat a nice meal together having leftovers for the next day so no one has to cook/work.

Passover: Feast of Unleavened bread is the first month of the biblical year, which makes sense the new year starts in the spring with new growth blooming. It’s the oldest holiday still celebrated in the world, over 3,400 years! And it’s the BIGGEST holiday, (like Christmas is in America).

Feast of Weeks: Seven weeks after Passover the firstfruits are celebrated. Kids wear white and carry a small decorated basket of fruit to share with others.

Day of Blowing: People blow shofars (ram horns) throughout the day. It’s a warning to repent for the next 10 days before the Day of Atonement.

Day of Atonement: A day of repentance with fasting. The whole country SHUTS DOWN, no flights, vehicles on the highway, EVERYTHING is CLOSED… to REPENT. It’s quite amazing to experience such a national “holiday.”

Feast of Booths: A week long holiday of eating and sleeping in a booth outside. Kids often decorate them with paper chains and pictures.

God appointed these holidays for a reason and for our good. Take a moment to reflect on them. It’s hard to implement them in a society that doesn’t acknowledge them, but it’s still good to be aware of these biblical holidays and their meaning. Maybe the modern sacrifice would be to take time out and rest on these holidays and think about and thank God for what He has done. The first three have been fulfilled in the first coming of Jesus, and the last three with his second coming!

“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.” 1 Thes. 4:16

-Stephanie Schlegel

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. Which holiday do you like the best? Which one would you like to celebrate?

2. What’s one way your Shabbat rest day could be changed/improved to make it more restful?

3. A holiday of repentance and fasting?! Maybe pick a day within the next week that you could fast a meal and pray for forgiveness to God and others possibly offended.

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Unleavened

Old Testament: Joshua 11 & 12

Poetry: Psalm 50

New Testament: 1 Corinthians 5

As is frequent with God’s word, we see connections, themes, and promises fulfilled which transcend centuries, and today’s readings are an example of this. From our Old Testament reading of Joshua we see a thorough purging and annihilation of pagan people who were not followers of God in the land God wanted inhabited by his chosen people. Terms like “captured”, “struck every person”, “no survivor”, and “utterly destroyed” used more than once paint a pretty clear picture of what Joshua and the Israelites were busy doing. But, why? That is also repeated throughout, and while it could be summed up as “God said so”, it seems more beautifully stated in Joshua 11:15,

“Just as the Lord had commanded His servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses.” New American Standard Bible (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 2020), Jos 11:15.

Over a thousand years later, our New Testament reading in 1 Corinthians written to the church in Corinth also references instructions on purging out the evil. And just like the pagan people and cultures surrounding and within the promised land in the time of Joshua, Corinth was certainly a place full of evil. A city known for immorality (not immortality as I just accidentally typed!), for all varieties of sexual sins and deviance, statues and idols of lovely false gods like Aphrodite and none other than a thousand prostitutes kept busy at the temple. One could imagine as new converts came out of this culture to Christianity, and for the existing church functioning within that society, there were some things that needed cleaned up. And then there were some things that just straight up needed called out, purged, and done away with. Finding ourselves progressed another couple thousand years from there, I think we can relate.

Tomorrow, the Jewish people and those celebrating Passover will be starting their remembrances and celebrations. I really like that the Jewish holidays have Biblical and spiritual meanings, and Passover is directly mentioned in our New Testament reading today. One instruction the Hebrews were given for the Passover was to remove the yeast/leaven from their homes on the first day. Today, there are all sorts of traditions on how to do this for Passover including varieties of special cutlery and cleaning to remove every speck of potential leaven from  cookware to corners of homes and cabinets. Even the kids are apparently often helpful at finding those hard to reach remnants. As Christians according to 1 Corinthians 5, we know Jesus is our Passover lamb, which brought about a huge culture change, and one I am incredibly thankful for because I absolutely do not want to be doing anything with the blood of lambs or goats! But, while Jesus’s sacrificial life and death is a tremendous gift and blessing that reconciles us with God, scripture also tells us we can’t just be thankful for Jesus and leave whatever filth we have in our lives, homes, and churches.  Leaven is often correlated to sin in scripture, and today’s reading is very clear. Leaven is not good in this case. It will creep into every corner of the loaf. It contaminates. If we tolerate evil, we will contaminate ourselves and the body of Christ if we are a member of it. If we ignore it and don’t even look for the small hidden pieces of leaven in our lives, the leaven is very efficient at growing, attracting bugs, and all the rest.

We are forgiven and cleansed through our Messiah who took the place of the Old Testament sacrifices. We also know we are human beings living in another Corinth, and it is easy to be deceived when society is screaming “that’s not leaven, that’s just fine”.  May we all prayerfully consider the internal, spiritual leaven within ourselves along with any other things we might be cleaning up this spring. While smudges on windows, crumbs under the stove, and dead leaves in landscaping simply do not matter in the big picture, the spiritual stuff is a life and death matter. I love these verses in Psalm 19: 12-14 which talk about intently looking for the hidden pieces of leaven in our hearts.

But who can discern their own errors?

Forgive my hidden faults.

Keep your servant also from willful sins;

may they not rule over me.

Then I will be blameless,

innocent of great transgression.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart

be pleasing in your sight,

Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

-Jennifer Hall

Questions:

1. What similarities do you see between the culture in Joshua’s day, the city of Corinth, and today?

2. Have you ever seen someone’s sin in the body of Christ negatively impact others in the church family?

3. What challenges do you and the church face in identifying sin and right/pure actions from a Biblical worldview in today’s society?

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The Hope of the Passover Fulfilled

OLD TESTAMENT: EXODUS 11-12

POETRY: PSALM 23

NEW TESTAMENT: MATTHEW 21:28-32

One of my favorite movies growing up was Dreamwork’s The Prince of Egypt. I loved the music and the story, though it was slightly embellished for dramatic effect. In the movie, Moses and Rameses are the best of friends in addition to being brothers. As plagues ravage Egypt, Moses and Rameses face off against each other, asking each other “Is this what you wanted?” The Bible never talks about Moses and Rameses being close or caring for one another. But, I do think the movie captures what happened to Egypt. 

Egypt destroyed by the plagues in Dreamwork’s Prince of Egypt

As the Israelites gathered up their belongings after the Passover, they walked through a city in complete ruins, statues falling over and temples broken. God had triumphed over Pharoah and the Egyptian gods, and now the Israelites were on their way to freedom. 

The Passover lamb (another sheep reference) is a preview of both the law and the sacrifices that would be required for our sins and the ultimate fulfillment of the law in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Our Matthew readings for the week show Jesus as he grows nearer to the time of the cross. In fact, Jesus enters Jerusalem in Matthew 20 to celebrate the Passover. 

In Matthew 26:17-30, Jesus celebrates the Passover with his celebrates. He breaks bread with them and then tells them that he will not have the Passover banquet again until the kingdom of heaven (Luke 22:14-18). The wedding banquet of the lamb is the hope that we have in the Kingdom (Revelation 19, Matthew 22) – that are sins are passed over forever, as we are raised up incorruptible in a new heavens and a new earth (1 Cor. 15:52). The Passover was a sign of salvation to the Israelites, a testament that they were to observe for generations to come. We can read about the Passover today and be reminded of what is to come in the kingdom. 

We should want to shout in jubilee, believing in the miracle of God rescuing us from the bondage of sin and shame. 

Matthew 21:28-32 leaves us with a caution. As we look forward to this coming kingdom, we want to be the ones who are faithful to the end. The parable draws a distinction between the brother who said he was going to work and the brother who actually worked. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter how much you talk about Jesus if you don’t actually follow him. You have to leave your life in bondage to sin and go forward to your new life in Freedom. Your life must change. The new focus of your life should be to work for the good of the kingdom of God. 

Psalm 23 ends in this way, 

“You prepare a table before me

    in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

    my cup overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me

    all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

    Forever.”

We see another table set, another banquet, a foreshadowing of the Passover fulfilled, the marriage feast. David trusts completely in God, even in the midst of his enemies. The final words – the sweet hope of David – is to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The desire of David’s heart is not those green pastures, those quiet waters. The true desire is to be in the presence of God, and the beautiful thing is that being in the presence of God leads to places of beauty and comfort – maybe in this life but definitely in the kingdom. 

May that be the desire of our hearts: To long for the marriage supper of the Lamb. 

~ Cayce Fletcher

Cayce writes about discipleship, productivity, and homemaking at her blog https://amorebeautifullifecollective. You can find her latest post on creating a theme of the year here. You can also listen to A More Beautiful Life Collective Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

  1. How do you think the Israelites felt as they left Egypt? How do you think the Egyptians felt? 
  2. Which brother are you in the parable of the two sons? The worker or the talker? 
  3. What do you hope for most in the coming kingdom? What are you most excited about? 

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Forevermore!

Old Testament: Judges 13 & 14

Poetry: Psalm 113

New Testament: Luke 13

Psalms 113-118 are known as “Hallel,” which means praise. These Psalms are recited, either in unison or responsively, in Jewish observances such as Passover and Hanukkah. This specific passage of Psalms is a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God for the blessings He poured out on Israel during the Exodus from Egypt. Though “Hallel” typically refers to Psalms 113-118, two other sections of Psalms are also referred to as “Hallel.” Thus, Psalms 113-118 are also specifically referred to as the “Egyptian Hallel” due to recounting of the Exodus story in Psalm 114.

In Passover remembrances, the Hallel is used within both the temple and homes. Before the Passover meal, Psalm 113-114 would be sung together. Most scholars believe that Jesus and his disciples would have sung these verses together while gathered for the Last Supper. When you read the verses of Psalm 113 closely, they seem a fitting hallmark to Jesus’ ministry.

In verses 7-9, we read, “He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people. He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children.” Throughout Jesus’ ministry, his work angered many because he focused on the ones that others forgot or ignored. Just like the words of the Psalm, he shook social norms. How many instances can we recount of him healing the less desirable, such as the woman at the well, or socializing with sinners, such as Zaccheus? Jesus acknowledged in words and actions that all will be made equals in God’s kingdom? 

In today’s New Testament text, we read another example of Jesus lifting the needy, while others found fault. In Luke 13: 10-13, we read, “Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God.” Later in the text, we read how the Synagogue leaders were indignant that Jesus healed on the Sabbath, causing Jesus to rebuke them. He had once again turned expectations upside down.

While reciting this Psalm during their Passover meal, did any of Jesus’ disciples connect his ministry to the words they were singing? It’s also poignant to think that despite his imminent betrayal and death, Jesus could recite this prayer of praise and thanksgiving from the Psalm. “Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised! The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!” 

When we are faced with trials, can we do the same as Jesus? These verses remind us that in all things, the Lord is worthy of continual praise. It does not instruct us to be thankful once. Rather, it is imploring us to offer thanks “forevermore.” God is unchanging and there will never be a time in which we cannot offer homage to Him. 

My daughter’s teacher has her students complete a daily task in their agendas. At the end of each school day, the students are tasked with reflecting on the day and writing down two positives that happened to them. The teacher is striving to enable a mindset of gratitude and positivity within her class.

Could we take on the same task in order to offer continual praise to God? At the end of each day, let’s take time to reflect on that day. What can we praise God for? Perhaps your day at work was rough. But could you thank God that you had a job to go to that will provide for your needs such as food and shelter? This week, I challenge you to find at least two things in your day for which you can offer God praise and thanksgiving.

~Jen Siderius

Jen Siderius is a member of the Fair Oaks Community Church of God in Virginia. She and her husband Dan live in Maryland, where she works as an elementary school media specialist. When she’s not busy being entertained by the antics of their 9-year-old daughter, she loves to read, run, knit, quilt and try new crafts.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where do you see Jesus upsetting social norms? What was his purpose in doing so? Where have you – and can you – follow Jesus’ example?
  2. How would you rank yourself in the thankfulness category? Do you daily praise God for what He has done and who He is? How can you work at increasing your spirit of thankfulness?
  3. What did you see about God in today’s reading that you will praise Him for? What is Jesus revealing about His Father and God that we can praise God for?
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The Saving Blood of the Lamb

Exodus 12

February 11

It’s a beautiful thing to read of the Israelites’ obedience regarding the Passover meal and God’s subsequent command to continue observing it through the generations and to teach their children about the significance of it.

24 “Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants. 25 When you enter the land that the Lord will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony. 26 And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ 27 then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’” 

It is a powerful story of salvation and it is worth telling and celebrating. I love that we as Christians can mirror this celebration of God’s beautiful provision of salvation through the observance of Communion. The salvation at the original Passover was temporary and specific and only pertained to being shielded from that particular plague of death at that specific point in time. Thanks be to God that the salvation offered through the Passover Lamb Jesus Christ is not limited to a specific group of people in a specific time in history. It is a free gift with an eternal reward that is open to all of mankind who choose it. 

While God’s provision for salvation is so beautiful and worthy of celebration, we would be remiss if we did not recognize those who fall in the shadows outside of God’s protection of salvation. I can’t help but imagine what a terrifying time it was for the Egyptians as the angel of death struck the households that were not protected by the blood of the Passover lamb. Verses 29-30 give us a glimpse of the sounds of that night,

29 At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well. 30 Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.

As I read that passage and experienced compassion for those not covered by the blood, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the pressing urgency there is to reach out to those today who are not covered by the blood of the ultimate Passover Lamb Jesus Christ. As the Israelites were instructed about how to avert sorrow and disaster being brought upon their household by covering their doorposts with blood, we need to help others find the way to salvation by being covered with the blood of Jesus. 

May we be challenged to revisit the story of the Passover with a new set of eyes and a heart full of compassion for those who need to hear the greatest story ever told.

-Kristy Cisneros

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

  1. Do you feel a sense of urgency for the lost? If so, pray to God to instruct you on how to increase your effectiveness in reaching others. If not, pray to God that He will change your heart in this regard and give you a newfound sense of urgency and compassion for the lost.
  2. The Israelites were saved from what by the blood of the Passover lamb? Describe as fully as you can. Christians are saved from what by the blood of Jesus? Describe as fully as you can.
  3. How can we make sure we are covered by the blood of the Lamb? How will we make sure we – and our children – do not forget? Who do we know who is not covered by the blood of Jesus?

Tomorrow – Exodus 14

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Memes and Remembrances 

Matthew 26

January 26

At this point in our reading, things start to get serious, so before we get into that I’d like to give you this meme for your sharing pleasure. I hope that you can enjoy the humor, because the stories and questions today should give us time to pause and think, to pray, and to trust in the grace of God. 

We start with this meme because of the story in verses 6-13. While there are multiple proposed solutions to how many times Jesus was anointed (see note), at this point I lean to the idea that Jesus was anointed with oil in two different scenarios, the one recorded in Luke, and the one recorded in Matthew, Mark, and John. In Matthew a woman pours very costly perfume on Jesus, and the disciples were livid. “HOW MUCH GOOD COULD WE HAVE DONE WITH THAT MONEY?!” They all berate the woman. But Jesus recognizes the act of utter worship and adoration that this woman desired to give him.

When Jesus said “you always have the poor with you” was he saying that we shouldn’t give to the poor? After all, if we give to the poor person in front of us, won’t there be another the next day, right? For the latter question, yes there will always be another poor person. But for the first question, Jesus was referencing Deuteronomy 15:10-11 “Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand. For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.” Jesus wasn’t saying “don’t give” but instead “if you are so concerned about the poor, you will be able to give to them with OTHER gifts.” In fact, Judas was berating the woman because he would have had access to the funds for himself, as he stole money from the group. Maybe other disciples were upset that this woman was showing greater devotion for Jesus than they were willing to show. Jesus is, in effect, calling their bluff : “If you truly want to serve the poor, you’ll be able to do so the rest of your life. She is choosing to serve me now!”

The rest of the chapter is full of familiar stories that we remember during the Season of Lent, Passover and Easter/Resurrection Sunday every year. 

Jesus at this time institutes the act of communion, a time to remember what Christ has done for us. To be fair, Jesus does not begin something new, but changes the focus of something ancient. Passover is a holy Jewish meal that signified God’s redemption of Israel from Egypt. Jesus says it’s no longer just about that. Now, this bread that was about fleeing slavery is about the body broken for us to free us from sin. The wine is now about the blood of Jesus spilt for the forgiveness of our sins. 

Judas decided to betray Jesus and feigns offense when Jesus accuses the disciples there is a betrayer in their midst. Jesus knows what he has decided and is not fooled by his act. But we shouldn’t miss that Peter ALSO betrays Jesus. Judas desired money. Some postulate that Judas was trying to force Jesus and God to bring the Kingdom now. But whatever his motives, the betrayal was still evil and unjustified. But the betrayal of Peter was just as significant and just as thorough. Peter’s betrayal was fueled by self-preservation and fear. Both denied their Lord, their Savior… their friend. 

Jesus is broken hearted by what is happening to him. He knows that the woman who anointed his feet just days before was preparing him for burial, but still he did not want to die. He asks God if he can be spared, not only from the pain of death, but the rejection he is about to receive from God on behalf of all people. Jesus is about to have all sin heaped on him. God is about to cut all ties from his Son, and their connection will be severed so sin can be destroyed. Jesus, in his love for all of us, decided to follow the plan of God. He decides that he will drink the cup of the wrath of God, so that those who trust in Christ will not have to drink that cup themselves. 

While we began with a meme, we need to take time for serious remembrance of what Christ decided to do for us. 

Let us remember the anointing and worship of the woman. 

Let us remember the poor that Jesus calls us to serve. 

Let us remember Jesus by taking communion as we are able. 

Let us remember Peter and Judas so that we may not betray Jesus like they did. 

Let us remember a savior who was willing to die for us, who was willing to take the cup of wrath, and was willing to do the will of God so that we may have grace and peace and life. 

-Jake Ballard

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

  1. Are we willing to anoint the feet of Jesus with everything we have? Are you willing to give extravagant worship to Christ that others call outrageous, because you know how you have been forgiven? How deep does your love and worship go?
  2. Go back to yesterday’s question 3 (are you taking care of the least of these?) Ask yourself those questions again. Are you serving the poor, giving to them no matter how many there will be in the land? Or is your heart hardened by the reality of this world? Will you ask God to change your heart and make you love the poor?
  3. Have you participated in the grace of communion recently? The next time you do, take a moment to reflect on the thousands of years that the faithful people of God have celebrated this meal and emblem, first as freedom from slavery in Egypt, and now, through Christ as freedom for slavery from sin. How does it make you feel that you participate in thousands of years of history along with all of God’s people?
  4. In our sin, do we betray the savior who loves us? In what ways can we overcome the sin we have so we do not betray and deny our savior and lord?

Note: For an explanation of multiple ways of interpreting the passages see: https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/how-many-times-was-jesus-anointed/ AIG believes there were THREE events, but I think that even that would be a bit of a stretch. 

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The Not Last Supper

Luke 22:1-38

God is an epic story-teller. One trick up every story-teller’s sleeve is repetition, only each new repetition brings a new twist. The story in today’s chapter is titled, The Last Supper, implying that other suppers preceded it. 

The first meal of this kind is found in Exodus; the Israelites were captive to Pharaoh in Egypt, who worked them ruthlessly.  God sent a series of plagues to convince Pharaoh to let His people go, which would culminate in the death of all firstborn sons—people and livestock alike. To save the Israelites from this horrific plague, God gave specific instructions to Moses and Aaron:

“On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.” (Exodus 12:12-13)

The Israelites with the blood of the lamb slathered on their door frames were safe, as the angel of death passed over their houses. God ordered the Israelites to commemorate the day God saved Israel, and they did so every year. 

Over one thousand years later, in the week leading up to Jesus’ death, Jesus celebrated Passover with his disciples in Jerusalem. This time, there was a new twist. Jesus gives new meaning to the emblems eaten that meal: 

And he (Jesus) took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:19-20).

Jesus’s body was given for you, his blood poured out for you. His sacrifice marks a new covenant in which Jesus’ death atones for the sin of the world: 

Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

Have you ever read a story in the Bible with a hint of jealousy, wishing you, too, could have witnessed that moment? I know I have. I had a seat at that table with Jesus, eating and drinking, hearing his wisdom, and honoring his upcoming sacrifice. The good news for us is that “The Last Supper” isn’t really Jesus’s last supper: 

And he (Jesus) said to them (the disciples), “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 22:15-16)

It’s another feast with another twist. This time we’ll be eating and drinking in physical communion with Jesus, but in the Kingdom of God. I am excitedly awaiting that day, but in the meantime we have the honor of commemorating Jesus’ sacrifice regularly through Communion. The next time you take Communion, do it in remembrance—and in sweet anticipation—of all Jesus has done and is yet to do. 

-Mackenzie McClain

Today’s Bible reading passages can be read or listened to at BibleGateway here – Deuteronomy 27-28 and Luke 22:1-38

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God Guides

When you Look for It

Numbers 9-10 and Psalm 40-41

I always love a good celebration with my friends and family!  The Israelites had a number of different celebrations, but arguably the most important one to them was the Passover.  The Passover was in commemoration of God sparing the Israelite firstborn sons during the tenth and final plague to free the Israelites from Egypt.  All of the Israelite households who spread the blood of the lamb on their doorposts had their firstborn sons spared, but everyone else did not.  In chapter nine of Numbers, God instructs the Israelites, through Moses, to celebrate the Passover.  This is a vital celebration that the Israelites struggled to remember to celebrate later on.

It would be cool to see the whole nation of Israel gather together to celebrate the Passover.  Truth be told, there are a ton of events recorded in the Bible that would be flat out awesome to see firsthand!  Of all the awesome things to see, Numbers chapter 9 records one of the top 10 things that I would have liked to have witnessed firsthand – maybe top 5.  That awesome thing recorded is the pillar of fire that guided the Israelites where to go at night.  During the day, a pillar of cloud guided them, but at night it had the appearance of fire.  How cool would it be to see the pillar of fire in the sky at night?!  I would say top 10 throughout the whole Bible!  Our God is incredible, and he is capable of some awesome feats.

I don’t think many of us are going to be led by a pillar of cloud or fire.  However, similar to the Israelites, we can and should still be guided by God.  There’s a very good chance that the guidance that God provides you will not be as obvious as the pillar of cloud or fire.  Therefore, we really need to be in tune with God and keep our eyes, ears, heart, and mind open to His guidance.  There are a number of ways in which God can lead us, so we should be ready at all times.  If we are actively seeking God’s guidance, then we are much more likely to see it.  That has to do with our Reticular Activating System in our brains.  If you don’t know what that is, then look it up on Google or YouTube.  You’ll be amazed.

 I would encourage you all to pray to God to help you become susceptible to God’s guidance.  You may be surprised with all the ways that God attempts to guide you.

A note from Psalm:

“Blessed is the one who considers the poor!  In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him,” Psalm 41:1.

Let this serve as a reminder to be generous with everything that God provides us with.  If we consider the poor with our resources, then God will deliver us!

-Kyle McClain

Links to today’s Bible verses – Numbers 9-10 and Psalm 40-41

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