God never misses a teachable moment. And so that we do not forget His faithfulness, He calls us to remember. Remember. The word appears 130 times in the Old Testament and over 35 in the New Testament. It can be found in 47 verses, 28 chapters and 19 books. Leviticus and Deuteronomy are replete with admonitions to remember. When we take Communion, we repeat the command to “do this in remembrance of Me (Jesus).”
A Lifeway Women article I just read stated, “Remembering, looking back, is the way forward…When we remember His faithfulness in our lives, we surge forward with renewed perspective, confidence, and assurance that He goes with us, before us and behind us. We are not alone.”
We are in the Season of Passover and Easter. It is no coincidence that Passion Week occurred during the Festival of Passover/Unleavened Bread. It was God’s divine plan. It is dripping with symbolism and significance. Too many to discuss here. It is filled with remembrance.
God commanded the Israelites in Leviticus to observe specific festivals, festivals which celebrated and remembered God’s providence and faithfulness. Remembering is an act of worship. It helps us to know and reinforce God as our deliverer and the One we can trust looking forward. It gives us an opportunity to thank Him. These festivals were the rhythm of faith that sustained the Israelites no matter where they were…even in the Diaspora.
The first Passover occurred in Egypt as blood was sprinkled on the doorposts so that the lives of the Hebrew firstborn would be spared and it was commemorated in the desert on the 1st anniversary of the Exodus from Egypt, complete with Paschal lamb. For 39 years, the wanderers continued to remember the Exodus and God’s mighty deeds of protection — but without the Lamb…until they entered the Promised Land.
Jews continue to celebrate Passover, combining Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. On the first night(s), a Passover Seder is held, retelling the story of the Passover to REMEMBER and to pass on to the next generations. It is the story of their physical deliverance from slavery. God commanded that lamb, bitter herbs and unleavened bread always must be included. There are 4 cups of wine — the Cup of Sanctification, the Cup of Deliverance, the Cup of Redemption and the Cup of Praise. The Cup of Redemption is drunk, after the meal.
It is against this backdrop, that on Maundy Thursday, Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples. Remembering the story of deliverance, they recalled God’s wonders with the first 2 cups of wine, and the meal — which included dipping in bitter herbs. After the meal, Jesus took the 3rd cup of wine and gave it new meaning. He also took the last morsel of unleavened bread, the Afikomen, and gave it new meaning as well. His blood. His broken body. Do this in remembrance of Me.
Passover is the nexus between the Old and New Testaments. A stronger than strong grip of continuity. A never loosening grip of God for His people. Recalling the physical redemption of the Exodus, Jesus’ sacrifice will give those who believe spiritual redemption. God’s plan.
Remember.
When I take Communion, I picture myself at a Passover Seder. I see the Cup of Redemption being lifted, by my Savior. I taste the sweetness of the Afikomen which I, as a child, found, broken and wrapped in a cloth and hidden for ransom, so that the Passover Seder could conclude after the meal. I see the broken, striped, scarred body of my Savior on the Cross.
And I remember.
My Good Friday always includes watching the Passion of the Christ starting at noon. Just like I needed to put myself into the story of the Exodus at the Passover table, I need to walk with Jesus that last journey up Calvary, so that I too can remember what He suffered for my sin.
Remember and celebrate His love, sacrifice and faithfulness.
What will you remember this Easter as you look back at this past year? As you move ahead?
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, Deuteronomy 7:9
I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. Psalm 119:55
