Greetings!

This Sabbath marks the third week in our count to Pentecost. While we have moved one week closer to Pentecost, it also moves us one week closer to another important date, that is the observance of the Passover of the second month for those who could not commemorate the sacrifice of Christ in the first month. This year this falls on the evening of May 18th (next Saturday Night). The precedent for this second observance of this critical Festival is first given in Numbers 9:1-14. 

In reading this account, a few things stand out. The first is the level of significance attached to the keeping of Passover. The meaning and symbolism of Passover is crucial enough that God makes it possible for those who were prevented from keeping the Passover in the first month, to not be excluded from worshiping Him in the prescribed manner. We do not see this concession for any other Festival of God. The Passover is directly tied to our covenant with God and our identity as His people. God thinks it is so vital for us to participate in, that we have been given an additional occasion to come before Him in this way. God's implementation of this should emphasize the importance God places on attending His Passover.

Another thing to take note of is God's mercy. When the people come before Moses with an appeal not to be left out of the Passover, God responds by establishing an additional day of memorial. God show His kindness, not by changing or lowering His standards, but by compassionately sanctioning another Passover service in the following month. God is not unreasonable or harsh towards those who are eager to obey and glorify Him. God wants us to submit to Him and indeed makes it possible to follow Him.

One final thing that is essential to consider is the approach God is looking for from each of us. This can be seen in the reasons allowed for missing the commanded Passover in the first month (Leviticus 23:5). God does not authorize a subsequent ceremony for our convenience, but only for necessity. In verse 13 we are told that those who treat Passover with such an attitude will be "cut-off" from the people as well as having to "bear his sin;" as it is a rejection of the sacrifice of Christ as the agent of our salvation. When we reflect on the meaning of Passover there must be humility in our approach. The magnitude of God the Father giving His Son and Jesus Christ suffering and dying for us, should never be taken lightly. Thus, God has the second Passover for those who recognize their need and deeply desire to partake of the first Passover but could not for reasons beyond their control.

If you have the need to take part of this second observance of Passover, I pray that it will be edifying evening. Certainly, if you require any guidance with this, please feel free to ask any elders or deacons for help. Yet, even if we will not be commemorating this second Passover, we can still take note of the date and call to mind the lessons that can be drawn from God's commands about this practice.

Happy Sabbath to You All!

Devin Schulz