Numbers 9:1–14, April 3, 2025 (Thursday)

“The Lord spoke to Moses in the Desert of Sinai in the first month of the second year after the Israelites came out of Egypt. He said, ‘Have the Israelites celebrate the Passover at the appointed time. Celebrate it at the appointed time, at twilight on the fourteenth day of this month, in accordance with all its rules and regulations.’” (Numbers 9:1–3, NIV)

The Feast of Passover is deeply significant for the Jewish people. Among the ten plagues that marked the final stages of the Exodus, the death of the firstborn was a terrifying judgment. It was this final plague that broke Pharaoh’s hardened heart. Yet the Israelites were spared from this plague by placing the blood of a lamb on their doorposts. This act of obedience allowed them to escape the death that fell upon Egypt. In remembrance of this, the Israelites were commanded to keep the Passover, which is still observed today and is also a key moment reinterpreted in the New Testament.

The phrase “the plague passed over us” finds new meaning in the cross of Jesus Christ. Just as the blood of a lamb spared the Israelites, the blood of the Lamb—Jesus—poured out on the cross brings forgiveness for all our sins. This connection becomes our confession of faith: “By the blood of the Lamb, we are saved.”

This is why we read the Old Testament. Though it contains ancient stories, it is constantly reinterpreted, fulfilled, and connected in the New Testament. And this, in turn, shapes our spiritual lives today.

Worship, giving, gathering in fellowship and prayer, loving and serving one another—these are not just religious habits. They are ways we embody the truths of Scripture in our daily lives.

Personally, I find deep meaning in the monthly celebration of Holy Communion. It is a time of remembering Jesus’ last supper with His disciples—a moment of presence, reflection, and recommitment. As we reenact that sacred table, we also reenact the life of discipleship. Through these sacred practices, we are continually reminded that we are connected to one another, to the first disciples, and to Christ who is ever present with us. These moments call us to renew our lives and walk more faithfully.

As members of the Open Church community, we are building a shared memory—a memory shaped by the stories of Scripture and the acts of God throughout history. We are becoming a people who remember together how God has moved, and how He still moves among us.

Meditation

Living out our faith as a community means participating in God’s work of creating new memories in us.

Intercessory Prayer

1. We are currently working on creating a Smart Member Directory. We kindly ask that you provide a personal photo. It doesn't need to be a formal ID photo—any everyday or social media photo is welcome. Please share it with your small group leader so we can foster deeper connections and build a stronger spiritual family. (Use your small group chat rooms to share them!)

2. Today, South Korea faces a historically significant decision. Please pray that the division and conflicts in our nation may come to an end, and that peace and unity will prevail.