Spring Expressions of God’s Great Love - Spiritual Nugget 85

Here in the United States, the month of March officially signals the season of spring. Eventually, according to some clandestine source, we also will gain extra daylight time, presumably a perk of the precious lost hour of sleep.
 
With spring, many of us will also celebrate two of the most notable holidays of the year. Some may identify them as religious holidays, others as Christian or Jewish holidays. Yet, both validate freedom for humanity.
 
Formalized in 664 as part of the confirmation of Roman-British Christianity, Easter celebrations share their belief that the Son of God, who was perfect and without sin, died on the cross to redeem humanity from the judgment of God for sin. He was resurrected by God from eternal death, having paid the ransom and obtained the keys to forgiveness for humankind. Many believers refer to it as Resurrection Day.
 
Passover (Pesach) recounts the remarkable story of God’s power to free the Israelites from slavery (redemption) and death. The Haggadah explains the meaning of many Passover symbols and traditions on the table during the seder (Passover meal).
 
Initially, Easter was often referred to as the “Christian Passover.”¹ But over time, with the Christian church desiring to distance itself from Jewish traditions, Easter became the formal Christian holiday. Racism against Jewish history and pagan influencers such as bunnies, colored eggs, and easter baskets were also present.
 
Despite all the drama, confusion, customs, and traditions, there is one prevailing theme in both holidays. That is God’s love for humanity:

• His willingness to forgive and restore (His grace; 2 Corinthians 12:9)

 

• His Way He has provided that all people might come to Him (Jesus/Y’shua; John 3:16; John; 14:6)

 

• His faithfulness and eternal love (Yesterday, today, and forever; Hebrews 13:8)

 
With our world system in its current turmoil, one might question the point of either of these holidays. If we believe God is just a cosmic force subdued and understood only by reasoning and science, then yes, they have no purpose. If we are content to rely on worldly wisdom, they are meaningless.
 
On the other hand, our answer rests in our own reality of personal trust in one true God. These events create trust in a faithful God who is our life-giver, freedom fighter, prison door opener, truth giver, joy, and peace companion.
 
Easter and Passover proclaim God’s love for humanity. He extended an invitation through His Son for all who believe in His sacrificial act to be filled with the bread of life, an abundant life, everlasting life, and His eternal love.

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¹ Eerdmans, Wm. 1977. Eerdmans’ Handbook of Christianity. Edited by Dr. Tim Dowley. Lion Publishing. Hertfordshire, England.