It is hard to believe that Passover is less than a month away! Where has all the time gone? It seems like we were observing the Feast of Tabernacles only a couple of months ago. I hope your preparation for the Spring Holy Days is well underway.

As we prepare for Passover, we are reminded of the incredible mercy of God. God demonstrated His mercy toward us “in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Our Creator is full of mercy. God gave Moses a pattern of “heavenly things” to be used in the Tabernacle. The covering of the Ark of the Covenant representing the throne of God was called the “mercy seat” (Hebrews 8:5; Exodus 25:17). Having this understanding, we can come before His throne in prayer with assurance and gratitude. King David wrote, “The Lord is merciful and gracious; slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalms 103:8, 10-12). We are repeatedly reminded that “His mercy endures forever” in Psalms 136.

As we contemplate the mercy of God, we should also consider our willingness to extend mercy. Are you willing to forgive others who have sinned against you? Are you still holding on to past hurts? Do you still bear a grudge against someone? Preparation for Passover is a good time to release those hurts and ill feelings. Christ taught, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.  But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses” (Mark 11:25-26).

As we prepare for the Passover let’s remember to express our appreciation for God’s wonderful mercy of which we are recipients. By the time you read this article I will be traveling in Asia for the Spring Holy Days. I look forward to visiting with some of you during the Days of Unleavened Bread. I hope you have a wonderful and meaningful Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread.

© 2007 United Church of God, AIA - Pilipinas