VIEWPOINT

Passover begins this week at sundown on April 12 and continues for one week.  Jewish people will remember Israel's redemption from slavery in Egypt as they celebrate Passover.  From the days of Moses Passover was a distinct festival directed by God for Israel to celebrate each year.  Jesus' “last supper” was in fact a Passover celebration and that during this Passover observance He instituted the Lord's Supper This most precious Jewish festival finds its ultimate meaning, however, in our Jewish Savior.

In his wisdom, God wove into the very fabric of Passover the picture of the greatest redemption of all.  It is a redemption not just for Israel but for all people.  There is a direct parallel between Passover and the Passion; when it comes to redemption, we are saved through the blood of the Lamb not just a lamb. 

There are many links between the Passover and Jesus, but consider these in particular:

·        Deliverance is always from God.  The people of Israel were slaves in Egypt, and they of themselves were powerless to change things.  We were slaves to sin, and we of ourselves were powerless to change things.  Were it not for God's actions, we both would have remained slaves.  Only God could end the slavery.

·        The price of deliverance always includes blood.  For God to pass over an Israelite family, there had to be blood on the door posts and lintel – that blood was essential if God was to pass over.  For God to justify us, to forgive us of our sins, Jesus' blood must be on our hearts.Passover was destined to be fulfilled in the person of Jesus, who is the Lamb of God.  His story does not diminish the significance of the original redemption celebration; His story fulfills and completes the significance.

Though not born into the Jewish race, we Christians can affirm our Jewish roots (Rom. 2:28, 29).  When we are spiritually born again, we are placed into the body of Messiah and belong to the family of God in Him.

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We’re well into the month of April by now.  However, I still like the 

story of the atheist who complained to a friend because Christians 

have their special holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, and 

Jews celebrate their national holidays, such as Passover and Yom

 Kippur.  “But we atheists,” he said, “have no recognized national 

holidays.  It's unfair discrimination.”

His friend replied, “Why don’t you celebrate April first?” 

Be sure to read Psalm 53:1 and Psalm 14:1.  You might also check

 out Psalm 36:1, Ephesians 2:12, and 1 John 2:22.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile and a positive word! RA