Truth Church – Seder:
This past weekend I spent in Cherkasy. There were twenty-eight students attending the Seder and everyone had a great time. This Seder had more of a teaching atmosphere so in order to make it more enjoyable we did pantomime. When we poured out our cups of joy (the 2nd cup) with the ten plagues, we broke into groups and acted out the plagues! There was darkness flies, boils, plagues on the cattle and even death. Unfortunately most of my photos did not turn out; it is difficult to be teacher and photographer at the same time.
Again, the Holy Spirit presented Himself in a strong and mighty way. Each of us received new revelation regarding the Passover. Even the instructors! The class asked to learn the Hebrew prayers which surprised us. In order to fulfill this desire the Hebrew prayers will be added to our Haggadah for next year.
I was truly blessed once again by the openness of the students and their desire to learn more of God’s Word. I am blessed watching God mature His children. My desire is to be filled with more of His word in order to teach others.
Word of Life Church – Pesach:
Sunday, we celebrated the Orthodox Pesach. We do not call it Easter. It is strange that America has chosen to use a word with pagan roots to refer to the resurrection of Christ. Well, it is worth some personal thought.
I attended the children’s church at Word of Life for Pesach. Alyona is the Children’s minister, my friend and gracious host while I stay in Cherkasy. She had an amazing program for the children.
The children were greeted by Pharaoh and immediately were tied at the wrists in their slavery. They were forced to make bricks (color bricks on the walls) and were whipped (soft yarn rope)! Ok, get the picture? These children experienced slavery in a fun way. As we left the service adults were tearing up because Pesach now had a new meaning for them.
Now, Moses was in the wilderness where he encountered God, or God came to meet Moses and call him to lead the Children out of Egypt.
The little folks who were not tied up, became frogs; they had frogs banded on their palms. They invaded Pharaoh’s home and Egypt! They had a great time hopping all over the place.
Moses used hyssop and covered the door with blood. The children entered and when the death angel appeared, they were saved. Moses led them to the sea (long blue cloths) which parted when he prayed. Moses led the children through the sea on dry ground. Pharaoh followed the children and the sea swallowed him up!
To bring the entire story to a close, Alyona had a miniature Passover Seder for the children. She explained the Seder plate and what each item meant. She served the children maror (horseradish), bitter herbs (parsley) and wine (grape juice). The children enjoyed the theater and went home with a new understanding of Pesach. Passover is the story of freedom and redemption!
The question now is why as adult Christians do we not recognize Jesus in the Passover? Why then, do we not desire to know Him more intimately in the Old Testament? What does the Passover mean to you? Do you realize that each item and even the prayers are messianic prophecy of our Messiah? Questions I will leave for you to ponder . . .
May God be gracious to you and smile upon you and your loved ones.
Be blessed
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