Passover

This week Texas House Speaker, Joe Straus, instructed committees to wrap up work April 8 in time for members to observe Passover, which begins at sundown that day.

From Genesis to Daniel the Children of Israel were reminded that they were brought forth from Egypt by the Lord, their God. I like Jeremiah’s descriptions:

And hast brought forth thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with great terror; (Jeremiah 32:21 KJV)

Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God: (Jeremiah 11:4 KJV)

Moses, though, explained it succinctly:

And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever. And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service. And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped. (Exodus 12:24-27 KJV)

God’s people were so much in the wrong place, but Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. (Exodus 1:8 KJV) and God had plans for them elsewhere.

Since that first Passover, mankind has endeavored to explain not only the how, but the why. Without concern for the answers, the event is remembered, discussed and celebrated. For a variety of reasons.

Many enjoy dinner, games, songs that are millennia old. One site I found both educational and entertaining (http://www.happypassover.net/) is very detailed in providing Passover history, crafts, music, recipes, poems, customs – and mentions Passover in relation to Christians.

I see Passover as being for the children more than adults. The adults, though are responsible for its success:

And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt. (Exodus 13:8 KJV)

The youngest child asks, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” God has provided the answer.