TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Observe the month of Aviv and celebrate the Passover of the LORD your God, because in the month of Aviv he brought you out of Egypt by night. Deuteronomy 16:1
Read: Deuteronomy 16:1-3
Listen: Deuteronomy 16
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The Jewish people celebrated the Feast of Passover for centuries before the time of Jesus. Passover looks back on when God rescues the Israelites from slavery by bringing one plague after another upon the Egyptians. The Egyptian Pharaoh refusal to obey God and release the Israelites culminated in the death of every firstborn son in Egypt. The Israelite households were passed over and spared.
The second element of this festival is celebrating new life. Passover happens in the spring and is when new life begins to show. The first barley crop starts to be harvested, and lambs are born. Israel has a lot to celebrate and remember this time of the year. This festival reminds them of God’s rescue and thanks him for bringing new life and growth.
Pastor Jeff Manion talked about 2 Corinthians 5:17 and how God makes each of us a new creation. Sometimes new growth comes in less obvious but very important areas. Maybe we feel like we’re coming out of some kind of spiritual winter and see the buds of growth God brings in our own hearts, whether it’s turning from a bad spiritual habit or starting a new good one. We might come out of a spiritual winter and see ourselves growing in forgiveness or patience. Whatever God is up to—today is a great day to celebrate and thank God for it.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Take a few minutes to journal about what God might be up to in your life and heart. Jot down two or three areas where you think you might be experiencing growth. Pray and thank him for what he is doing and how you see him at work. Then invite him to begin or continue working on a specific area in your life.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
MATTHEW 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
