“Seder” Reflections 2023

On 5th April preceding Good Friday, EAST celebrated Seder (Passover) as part of a Chapel Service. This was led by Rabbi Dr Keith Shubert. The experience was rich, thought- provoking, and meaningful. As a family of God, we acknowledged the work of Christ on the cross and Jesus being our Passover Lamb. We experienced what a normal Jewish family goes through in observing the Seder.

As humans, we are very forgetful people. It was apt that we began on the idea of “remembrance”. We need to be reminded. Throughout the whole schedule, it was a time to remember who God is and what He did from the beginning. Even as a 21st century Christian, I found it amazing that I could appreciate deep history and significance from the time of Exodus. Each object and act during the whole service pointed to a greater meaning. God, a promise-keeping God, showed His people through these tangible practices. The handwashing, the bitter herbs, the four cups, and the unleavened bread were some memorable examples. As much as I loved the rituals and traditions, I remembered that the God of the Exodus never changes. He is the same God whom we worship even till today.

Secondly, it is the idea of redemption. God’s redemptive act did not begin at the foot of the cross, but it began from the beginning of time. The memorable part of Seder was the dipping of finger ten times. This was to remember the ten plagues God’s people experienced. I found this significant because it symbolized the beautiful picture of redemption. God’s people longed to be delivered from slavery. As Good Friday approaches, I was reminded that I once was a slave of sin. I was “bought out” by Jesus’ work on the cross. I said to myself, “what kind of a God does that?” The final hymn we sang was fitting:

O perfect redemption, the purchase of life

To every believer the promise of God

Thirdly, I thought about rest. In Christ, we are given true rest. I long for the day when we can recline at the table with Jesus because in Him is our source of rest. We do not need to hurry like during the times in the Old Testament. The Passover meal was so elaborate; the preparation and process was so tedious and a lot of work! I thought that one day, when we all get to Heaven, these practices will be no more because we can rest in Christ.

Dr Keith shared some insights on how Christ celebrated the meal with His disciples. He also shared a visible picture of the possible seating arrangement and posture. I found that very insightful, it made me want to experience the full experience of a Jewish Seder meal!

Lastly, my heart was refreshed and renewed. As a family, we could appreciate history, culture, meaning, and worship. I was refreshed spiritually in my pursuit to be a Christ-like servant. As I walked out of the chapel room, I muttered these words, “Thank you Jesus for loving me.”

Thank you for the cross, Lord Thank you for the price you paid.

Bearing all my sin and shame, in love you came.