My friends Deb and Bryce were  invited by some Jewish friends to attend their Seder dinner. This is a celebration held by Jewish families to commemorate the first Passover in Egypt (Ex. 12:24-27). The entire family becomes involved, including the little children.

Deb and Bryce expected a sombre evening but they discovered a joyous celebration. At the beginning of the meal a piece of bread was halved. One half was shared by the guests; the other half was hidden by the youngest family member. To the child’s delight, all the adults searched for it. When the bread was not discovered, it was ransomed by the child amid great laughter. Then followed an evening of stories, songs and the phrase: “L’Chayim! To life!”

Why not a joyous celebration? The Passover marks the deliverance of Israel from slavery and the “destroyer”.

The Passover meal Jesus and His disciples shared the night before His death was a celebration too, but with serious overtones. It signalled the beginning of the events that led to His sacrifice and our redemption from sin and Satan.

From spiritual slavery to spiritual freedom. From death to life. As we celebrate our deliverance, we too can say with joy to one another, “L’Chayim! To life!”

Author

David C. Egner

Topics

Our Daily Bread