Passover: Israel's Legacy in Africa

One of the main celebrations of the Christ’s Church around the world is Easter. Christians around the world celebrate in unison the vicarious death of our Savior and his resurrection. However, this celebration traces back to the Old Testament, when the people of Israel were enslaved in Egypt and cried out for deliverance. It was, in fact, with their feet firmly planted on the African continent that the first revelation of Passover was granted to humanity.

Tie the shoes, for salvation is urgent!

The Jewish Passover, which took place approximately 3,500 years ago, establishes the theological foundations for understanding Easter. Therefore, understanding the origins of Easter will establish how God’s plan throughout history is revealed cohesively.

The book of Exodus reveals to us the sad situation of the Hebrew people: enslaved and humiliated under harsh Egyptian servitude. But God heard their cry and delivered his chosen people through many miracles.

Before their liberation, God established Passover. According to Exodus 12:2, this date was so important to the Hebrew calendar that it would be considered "the first of the months." But something in the biblical text draws our attention: the people were to eat the roasted lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs “with their loins girded, sandals on their feet, and staff in hand; they shall eat it in haste; it is the Lord's Passover” (Exodus 12:11). Passover was to be observed while the people were ready to leave Egypt.

This sense of urgency accompanies us to the Christian Easter.

Although our customs have changed significantly since the time of Moses, God's urgent call continues to echo across the earth, urging us to leave the slavery of sin and embrace a new life of holiness and joy in Christ Jesus. God's call is for you, and it is for today!

One of the most beautiful revelations that the book of Exodus gives us is that the people of Israel were set free, but “a mixed multitude of all kinds of foreigners went up with them” (Exodus 12:38). Freedom is too precious a gift to be kept for just one people. That is why, since the Exodus, God has included people from all nations.

In Africa Today

The days of Easter are a time to celebrate the great news of salvation. Our local churches gather for a time of consecration and evangelism. In a powerful and united mobilization, the Africa Nazarene family proclaims with all their hearts that the day of freedom has come! The same African soil that witnessed the miraculous exodus of the people of Israel from Egypt continues to witness the powerful breakthrough of salvation for all peoples in Christ Jesus.