Showing posts with label Jewish festivals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jewish festivals. Show all posts

April 15, 2017

Don't Pass Over Passover - Tracy Krauss

As 'New Testament' believers in Christ, we sometimes tend to 'pass over' many significant institutions from the Old Testament. Recently I've been doing a study of the Hebraic cycle of feasts and other holidays, and I've come to a new appreciation for how God used these celebrations to help His people align themselves with Him.

Take Passover, for instance. We know that this began in the time of Moses when the angel of death 'passed over' the children of Israel when they were waiting to be set free. It is significant that Jesus was in Jerusalem celebrating the Passover feast just before He was crucified. God's timing wasn't an accident or a coincidence. He knew exactly what He was doing. Jesus was, and is, our 'passover' lamb, redeeming us for all time.

What I didn't realize was that Passover takes place during the first month in the Hebraic calendar. (Not to be confused with the 'New Year' which starts in the seventh month... Confusing, I know!) This year, NISSAN, the first month, began on March 28. It is the month of 'new beginnings'; the first in the season of spring. It is a month to celebrate redemption and deliverance; taking back the land and claiming one's inheritance! Hallelujah! Now that has me excited!

Nissan is also aligned with the tribe of Judah which makes perfect sense because our Lord came from the tribe of Judah! Did you know that Judah was always the first into battle, as well? Not only did they lead, but they were to lead with songs of praise! Nissan is said to be the month when 'kings go to war' which also makes sense since we are in a spiritual battle, but God has given us His divine strategy which is go into any battle with PRAISE.

It is easy to see the hand of God in every detail. Is it any wonder that our most sacred Christian holiday - Easter - takes place during this ordained time? Jesus was and is the perfect passover lamb, securing our redemption for all eternity once and for all.

Now that is cause for praise!