Spiritual Preparation for Passover

The method of modern dining takes many forms. Some meals are eat and run event. Other meals are eaten with family in front of the Television. For most the time honored tradition of dining at a table without distractions and interruptions is a thing of the past.  The ritual meal which plans for and expects God’s presence is a relic which has been forgotten in contemporary settings.

Seder Plate at Passover

With the exception of our Thanksgiving meal most people have tossed time consuming meal preparation and environmental atmosphere setting as too laborious and unnecessary. The removal of intentional sit down suppers has created a void spiritually and socially within families and the fabric of our society.

Our Passover Haggadah with explanations

The Passover Seder is an intentionally spiritual meal. Them family is to select a lamb, which is a gift for God and give special care to the animal for three days. Then they kill the animal, take some of the blood and put a sign for God on the doorposts of their homes. Preparation for the feast begins before the meal.

Sheep Pen in Jordan

As the family sets up their meal more spiritual preparation takes place. They are to prepare to leave Egypt in haste as they eat their supper. The Hebrew people are about to become pilgrims of the desert who are completely dependent on God. They are also to eat only unleavened bread for seven days restricting the most basic of all foods, bread, to a just barely food item.

Sharing the Passover at Central Methodist, Mooresville, NC

The Lord told Israel, “when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’” (Ex 12:26-27)

Sharing the Passover in New Orleans

The Passover dinner is to be a time for meeting with God. From the beginnings of preparation to the conclusion of the Seder this event is to teach about and celebrate God. At times I see advertized a thirty minute, or a fifteen minute Haggadah. But these are too brief and miss the point. To shortchange Passover would be the same as to skip a Sabbath meal to spend the evening shopping.

A Skit during the telling of the Passover Srory

When I lead Passover Seders in churches one of the things I offer them is a seven day plan for spiritual preparation. Only a few people have participated in this opportunity. I feel I must offer it anyway because God desires growth in our lives, even if this takes self denial. The Lord desires we live a better life, not a pampered life.

Wine Glass and Sabbath Candles at Passover

The Seder service is built on understanding the multitude of ways God has cared for us so we can give thanks and praise. The service begins with thanks, and then proceeds to share with us what life was like during Israel’s days of slavery. As the Seder progresses participants move from physical concern to spiritual cleansing. This is shown through the two hand washings of the evening. The first is to clean hands, the second is to clean the heart.

As we approach the Passover season, I ask how you will grow spiritually this season. How will you bring the annual Seder from placement as an annual event to being a springboard to a closer relationship with God.