Passover Moon
April 12th, 2009I visited my mom in Florida last week. Before my dad got sick and died, they bought a little house there. They intended to spend part of the year there and part of the year in Kentucky. Last Thursday night I walked on the beach. I saw the full orange moon rise over the ocean from the spot where the sea “touches” the sky. It filled the heavens and reflected off of the water. It was an impressive sight.
Then I thought, “Why is this night different than the others?” It was the fifth anniversary of my dad’s death. That was significant, but there was more. This was the anniversary of Jesus’ “Last Supper.” Over 2000 years ago, Jesus and his disciples shared the Passover meal as a family and reflected on the events of the exodus from Egypt. Then, he became the real “Passover lamb” who takes away the sins of the world.
As disciples of Jesus the Passover time of year is significant. “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” It was the best for us; it was the worst for him. Jesus suffered unimaginable agony for us.
Jesus did not “pass over” the opportunity to take away the curse of sin. He did not think of himself, rather, he looked down through the ages and saw each of us and our need for his sacrifice. So, he went to the cross. The even better news is that the grave could not hold him. He lives and we celebrate his death, burial, and resurrection each week.
What do I think of when I see the full moon? I think back to my dad and feel gratitude and pain. I think back even further to Jesus with deep emotions of appreciation that stir me to want to be a better disciple. How about you?
Keep The Light Burning!
Perry
