The Moment that Defines a Nation
0 comments | Posted by Steven Layson on 04 May 2008 in From Steve's Study ::
Every country has a moment (or perhaps more than one) that define it. These moments are cherished and celebrated for centuries to come.
For America it might be the American Revolution celebrated on Independence Day (July 4). In France, Bastille Day (July 14) commemorates the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, a symbol of the uprising of the modern French nation. In Australia (assuming you discount Melbourne Cup Day!), probably the most significant day is Anzac Day, where we remember those who gave their lives in the service of our country.
For the people of Israel, the most significant day of the year is the day they remember their birth as a nation. During Passover, they remember the day that God brought them out of slavery in Egypt with great power and might. They remember the plagues that God sent onto the Egyptians, particularly the last plague of the death of the firstborn in which God “passed over” the houses of the Israelites to afflict their Egyptian masters.
It is a day of great joy and celebration. From that day to this Jews, wherever they are, gather together to feast and to commemorate God’s acts of mercy and love towards them.
For Christians, the Passover is deeply significant, for the God who acts to bring the Israelites out of Egypt is our God. However we do not belong to a “Christian Nation” in the same way, and the Passover events point toward an even greater act of salvation. We are caused to remember the day when God rescued us from slavery (to sin and death), through the death of the firstborn son (of God) – the “Lamb of God” – and formed us into a “Holy Nation” (1 Peter 2:9).
The death and resurrection of Jesus is our “defining moment”. It is the day we all look back to as the source of our salvation. It is a day to celebrate and give thanks to God for his gracious gift of self-sacrifice and love.
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