Seeing with Christ Eyes

The story of the Passover lies at the heart of Hebrew faith. Despite the amazing stories of "the ancestors" that we read in the book of Genesis, and even despite the glorious accounts of creation and devastating story of the fall, the story of Israel begins in Egypt and the wonder of the Exodus story. It is a story that thrills the world and has become the paradigm for freedom throughout the centuries. The Jewish Study Bible reports that Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson wanted to see the image of Moses leading the Israelites across the parted sea on the Great Seal of the United States. Many of our American ancestors considered their flight from Europe to the freedom of a new land to be a new exodus.

When the Narrative Lectionary Study Group of Seneca Presbyterian Church met to consider this story, it triggered some amazing reflections. We all shared our experiences of observing the Passover traditions of others and the devotion they reflect. I have often envied those traditions and the opportunity they present to re-live the story of freedom and deliverance.

We also reflected on what this story teaches us of God's power. Do we believe that God is still active in the world, bringing down tyrants and tearing down walls? What if it was God's hand and not human effort (or God's hand behind human effort) that brought down the Berlin Wall?

But then the image of power confused us. Just why did God "harden Pharaoh's heart"? Could there have been an easier way? And when I asked them if the story of the first Passover could become our story as Christians, the answer wasn't immediately apparent - and remains something for us to ponder. 

When we gather for worship this Sunday, we will be celebrating World Communion Sunday. We will remember the story of Passover and the story of the last Passover meal Jesus shared with his disciples. I will attempt to make some connections - and offer some reflections of what this amazingly powerful story teaches us about God - both then and now.

You can prepare for worship - and deepen your own understanding - by reading all of Exodus 1:1-15:21 - the Narrative of Liberation.