God’s Promises: Stories of Passover & Easter

As we approach Easter Sunday and festivities look different than they have in the past, give yourself time to reflect on God’s goodness even in difficult times. God is good, ALL the time. All the time, GOD is good. While we eagerly pray for current circumstances to be contained, there are lessons and gifts we can receive, even during this season of isolation. There is no better place to begin than with the stories of Passover and Easter as we remember our heritage, God’s promises and the hope we have in Him. 

Waiting on God’s Promises

On the first night of Passover, recorded in Exodus 12, no one knew what to expect. Staying in their homes, families wondered what would happen. God had declared what they should do and what He was going to do, but how would the Egyptians react? They waited throughout the long and lonely night. 

Similarly, it was only 2,000 years ago that our perfect and righteous Savior was arrested, tortured and hung on a cross outside the city walls of Jerusalem, despite never having sinned or committed a crime. All within a week, the disciples had witnessed crowds welcoming Jesus on the Mount of Olives and then shouting for Him to be crucified. When Jesus was taken captive in the Garden of Gethsemane, they fled to their own homes, afraid for their lives.

A New Day: God’s Promises Fulfilled

 The morning after the Israelites’ night of waiting, Pharaoh released them from a lifetime of slavery. They quickly left Egypt and began their journey to the land God had promised them. Just imagine the laughter, singing and celebrating of these captives set free!

Likewise, after three days of mourning Jesus’s crucifixion, a few faithful women visited His tomb. They were the first to learn and declare the Good News that continues to echo through eternity:

“He is not here; He has risen, just as he said.”
Matthew 28:6

What surprise and joy the disciples must have felt! Hope was restored and the world was forever changed.

Celebrating God’s Promises Today

Although this Passover and Easter may not look how you envisioned it, what we are celebrating remains steadfast and unchanging. As Christians, we celebrate Easter to worship our perfect God. The only God who gave up His own Son to save the lives of His people. Let’s remember that Christ has conquered death and given us the undeserved gift of eternal life. We are no longer slaves to sin, but free!