Observing The Passover
The churches of Christ have often been accused of not believing in the Old Testament, perhaps because we emphasize study of the New Testament, and we do not hold the Ten Commandments to be authoritative in religion. Some treat the Old Testament as though they do not believe it, for they never study from it that they might learn (Rom 15:4; 1 Cor 10:11). However, many in the Lord’s church have become very adept at the observance of the Passover. You might recall that the Passover feast was instituted by God as a reminder of His goodness and mercy in delivering His people from Egyptian bondage (Exo 12). It was to serve as a perpetual reminder to the children of Israel (Exo 12:14), one of the 3 annual feasts which required all Jewish males to journey to Jerusalem (Deut 16:16). Don’t misunderstand, I in no way am saying that some members of the Lord’s church are observing the Passover as a religious feast. I use the idea of observing the Passover in regard to other things that have become all too commonplace among God’s people.
Some Christians observe the passover when the collection plate is passed. It saddens me to see those who have good-paying jobs who give nothing upon the first day of the week. Some have learned the art of deception when it comes to casting into the collection, folding their dollar bill to look like more than it really is. But some allow the opportunity to give to the Lord pass them by altogether, feeling no remorse or shame in giving nothing. Christians have a responsibility to give upon the first day of the week (1 Cor 16:1-2), reflecting in our giving God’s goodness toward us. We should count it a privilege and an honor to give back to the Lord (Psa 116:12; 2 Cor 9:6-7).
Some Christians observe the passover when they are asked where they attend worship or what they believe. While in the presence of other members of the church, some are “devout” and “faithful” Christians, but when their non-Christian friends and co-workers begin to ask questions or make light of matters spiritual, these same individuals have little or nothing to say. Children of God are instructed to “be ready always to give an answer” to those who would ask us about the hope that is within us (1 Pet 3:15). Some are not only ill-prepared to give an answer, some refuse to attempt an answer in the first place, as if they are ashamed of Christ and the church. To these Christ would say, “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38).
Some Christians observe the passover when it comes to telling others the good news of salvation. Consider how many opportunities we have in a given day to speak to our friends, relatives, co-workers, and acquaintances about salvation. Do we allow these moments to pass us by, all the while thinking that we will have another opportunity to speak to him/her about the soul, or thinking that someone else is more qualified and should speak to them? Remember the sobering words of the song: “When in the better land, before the bar we stand, how deeply grieved our souls will be, if any lost one there should cry in deep despair, “You never mentioned him to me.”" We must tell others, for if we do not, their blood will be upon our hands (Eze 3:18; Acts 20:26-27).
–Patrick Morrison
Want to comment?
