Is the Biblical set apart time of Passover something believers should participate in today? Many of us have been told that the Messiah did away with those things or that they aren't applicable to us today. But keeping this feast can be so rewarding and there is so much to be learned from it! Here are five Biblical reasons for us to participate in Passover today.
1. We are told to by both the Old and the New Testament. Yes, both testaments of Scripture exhort us to keep this set apart time. Leviticus 23 tells us to, so does Exodus 12:14, and the Messiah said to keep Passover in remembrance of him, and even after his death and ascension the Apostle Paul tells believers that we should keep the feasts! The Bible tells us to do things for a reason and it also says that when we follow the instructions we are blessed. I don't know about you, but I will gladly take all the blessings I can from our Heavenly Father.
2. To follow the Messiah's example. 1 John tells us that we should live as Yahusha did. We see the Messiah honoring and observing Passover at his last supper, which he told his followers to prepare for. Shouldn't we follow his example? He had purpose when he set this example for us. He knew it would impact us and our faith would grow through it. Keeping Passover is one way I can align my life to look a little more like his.
3. To remember the historic significance. So many amazing things happened during Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits! The Messiah being put to death on Passover, rising from the dead at First Fruits, and celebrating Unleavened Bread with his followers, but also the Exodus story where the Israelites were freed from slavery. Many significant events in the Bible happened during this time, and we would do well to take a few days to remember and learn from those things.
4. Because Easter is not an acceptable replacement for one of YHWH's set apart times. Many believers have told me that they think Passover and Easter are the same, but this is simply not true! There are many distinctive differences between these, and it's important that we pick the one that lines up with Scripture's instructions. Why settle for less than the truly good things YHWH has for us? At best, Easter is watered-down truth, with many lies and inaccuracies mixed in. We are shortchanging ourselves and the people in our lives when we exchange the Bible's truth for our culture's lies and traditions.
5. We are to be doers of the word. James makes it clear that we aren't just called to know what Scripture says, but we are to implement it into our lives. Passover is a simple and meaningful way to take a tangible step to put the word into practice! None of you would say that the Messiah's death and resurrection is not worth celebrating, so why not to do so in a way that YHWH instructs?
