Is Passover Jewish?
It never ceases to amaze me at the questions and comments that people make. Today, everyone I ran into asked me about my weekend plans. When I mentioned we are getting ready for Passover, many replied “Isn’t that only for Jews?” (Passover begins the evening of March 25.)
Let’s see what God says about Passover:
Lev 23:4-5: “‘These are the Lord’s appointed festivals, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times: The Lord’s Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month…”
Do we believe His Word literally? Or only parts of it?
Most of us confess that we believe His Word literally – word for word. But, do we? If we do, then we know that the Festivals are part of His calendar, not a Jewish practice. We also recognize that we are to observe them at the times God ordained. Ok, so we realize that He appointed certain times for the observance of specific holy days. But, didn’t those pass away with the New Testament?
Lev 23:14b gives God’s answer to that question: “This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live.” He doesn’t say we are to commemorate these until Jesus dies on the cross. In many Scriptures, He states that observing the Festival is to be a lasting ordinance and reinforces that fact by adding that the Festival is for generations to come regardless of where we live.
The Hebrew word for an “appointed time” is mo’ed. What a rich word it is; it is not merely a time; but it is an appointment of great import (eg., if you have an appointment with a doctor, you make it a priority to arrive on time or you will be charged for being a no-show). Similarly, God expects us to arrive at His appointed times on time, not when it is most convenient, but at the time He ordained.
I encourage you to make His festivals a priority in your personal calendar. Approach each with a heart of expectancy. Know that observing these festivals is not drudgery but He is giving opportunity to attend His festivals. He will show up – we do not want to miss Him, do we?
“Lord, we continue to be in awe of Your allowing us to participate in Your calendar! Thank You. Lord, we love how You move each week in the hearts and lives of all Your intercessors. Thank You for the many good reports this week. Bless and heal: Paul, Bev’s family, Maxine & Joe, marriages & families. Bring our loved ones to an impactful relationship with You. Heal America, our homeland, and bring Your peace to Jerusalem, Your favored land. Protect our soldiers and touch their families. We love You, our King! ”
