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Discovering God’s Purposes by Relating with Him through the Lord’s Feast of PassoverSummary More than simply telling a story, however, this special celebration models a Hebraic way of fathering families. As fathers, we do more than instruct by speaking to or at our children: we engage them in active discussion which includes a question-and-answer approach aimed at helping them process and reflect upon thoughts; coming to an understanding of why and how things happen, or cause and effect. By explaining what happened, why and how God did what He did, and discussing the fruits of the experience, we are able to impart a way of relating with God and getting to know Him—His ways and character. This in fact was how Messiah Jesus taught and nurtured His disciples. He helped them connect and relate the stories of the Scriptures—the Law and Prophets—in a meaningful and relevant way to real life. The Amplified Bible does a great job relating this in Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:18-19. He prayed that people would fully grasp the love of God and apprehend “what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!”The LORD celebrated this feast at what is referred to as “the last supper.” He surprised His disciples by adding a new element to the celebration. When it was time to say the blessing over the bread, He said, "Take, eat; this is My body." Over the wine He said, "Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:26-28 NKJV ) The LORD became the Passover sacrifice. He sacrificed His life that we may have everlasting life. We participate in His sacrifice and resurrection by not only partaking in this celebration, but experiencing the joy of walking in His liberty and love—where our focus shifts from our self-centered interests to caring about the interests of others. Paul, therefore, declared, “Do nothing out of rivalry or vanity; but, in humility, regard each other as better than yourselves — 4 look out for each other’s interests and not just for your own.” (Philippians 2:3-4 JNT) This principle was also in view in exhorting believers to, “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The more we become interested in and focused on the interests and needs of others—and how we can contribute to their lives—the more we will discover our greater purposes in life. It is out of our giving and serving others that we truly experience the joy of the LORD—which is our strength.
Life Application Questions How do you look for ways to express God’s love, and live in a sacrificial manner, looking out for the interests of others? What things do you reflect upon, wondering why things happen how they do, and how things might be able to be changed?
Scripture References
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