The Passover Isn't July 4th
"I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt."Deuteronomy 5:6
Tonight is the first night of Passover.
If you've never been to a Passover Seder and you receive an invitation, say "yes!" Check your calendar later, call your spouse after you make plans, move around every appointment if necessary, but always, ALWAYS say "yes."
This holiday is a freedom celebration which marks Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt. (Read here) The dinner is a beautiful tradition which weaves food into the retelling of a wildly compelling story. (A couple of my favorite things!!)
However, if you don't know the story of Israel's freedom when you go to the Seder, expect to be surprised!
If you're American, you're used to linking independence with initiative, fortitude, perseverance, and maybe a little "luck." Sure, the Founding Father's trusted God, but there was an uprising, a rebellion, a striving to begin a new world order rooted in political goals.
This is not the case with the slaves of Israel. Their story is remarkable because they weren't even a nation, they were just slaves with a linked blood line. They weren't rich, powerful, pulled together or well organized. They weren't capable of staging a coup; they were barely able to survive.
And yet God showed up in a BIG way.
In fact, Passover stands alone as an "Independence Day" because it's not a celebration of rebellion, but of rescue. The story doesn't center on a nation flexing their independent muscles, but on becoming entirely dependent on God's favor. The celebration isn't about human might, but on God's desire to have a relationship with his people.
In fact, what's perfectly clear is the ENTIRE story isn't about Israel at all, but about God.
The purpose of a Seder is so people remember the Author of freedom.
God gave Israel freedom from death and freedom from enslavement. However more important than freedom FROM something, he gave them a freedom FOR something - to identify them as his children.
That's a remarkable gift indeed!
Have a good Passover my friends.