Tonight a sweet man in our church held a simple Seder celebration in order to help us in our worship of the Risen Christ this weekend by seeing all that God has done in the life of His chosen people culminating in the sacrifice and resurrection of His Son. There is so much to the Jewish feasts and celebrations that it boggles my mind just trying to understand the simplest of elements, but even in my limited understanding, I am astounded at the sovereignty of God from the beginning of time in preparation for a Savior for mankind. To think that those very exact and meaningful instructions given to the Israelites in order to save the lives of the firstborn so many thousands of years ago, also pointed to the Sacrificial Lamb that would make final atonement for sin. I am humbled that today many Jewish families will participate in Passover without the true understanding of it's ultimate fulfillment in Christ. And yet, I have been given eyes to see and ears to hear through no greatness of my own but all from the mercy of God. The symbolism in this meal is amazing. The bitter herbs dipped in salt water symbolize the bitter sorrow of years in slavery to Egypt but also our sorrow in captivity to death and slavery to sin. The blood of the lamb on the doorpost that night long ago saved the lives of the firstborn, but the spilled blood of our Sacrificial Lamb saves those that call upon His Holy name. The sweet haroset is symbolic of the mortar used in the building of Pharaoh's bricks, but also the sweet fulfillment as God led them to the land of milk and honey. How much more sweet is my participation in joyful restoration as a daughter of the Living God! And I was most amazed at the three pieces of matzah, the middle one broken, wrapped and hidden to be brought back to the table near the end of the meal. Looking at the three pieces of bread was a representation to me of the three persons of God-Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is the striped and pierced middle piece that represent the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It seems so simple to see and yet all my understanding is from my gracious Heavenly Father and causes me to humbly cry out thanks for the revelation of my need for a Savior and the redemption through Jesus Christ. I am sure there is so much more to see and understand, but I know that I left singing praises to God who provided the means for my redemption before the beginning of time. May the Lord continue to grant me the incredible blessing of understanding and seeing the beautiful story of His redemption of sinners such as myself.
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