February 18, 2024 - Deuteronomy 16-18

Moses instructed the people, “Observe the month of Abib and keep the Passover to the Lord your God, for in the month of Abib the Lord your God brought you out of Egypt by night” (16:1).  Sometimes, it seems to me, we can make too little of times and ceremonies and observances.  Growing up, my family seldomly celebrated anniversaries and birthdays.  Not so with Donna!  And when you think about it, Donna is correct.  It’s good to remember and to celebrate our blessings.  God had done so much for Israel, and the Passover was the annual remembrance of God’s deliverance of Israel from terrible circumstances in Egypt.  We have also been delivered, delivered from sin and its consequences:  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned” (John 3:16-18).  How great was God’s love toward Israel, and how he loves us

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, that caused the Lord of bliss

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul.   –Anonymous (1811)