but i will say that when it comes to our relationships with others, we should strive to really forgive, and not just forget. forgetting can be helpful in ways to make us less upset, but it does not really heal the wound, it just anesthestizes it. does that make some kind of sense?

I think I often try to forgive, but instead I just forget. Sometimes my friends will be talking about a certain instance, and my immediate reaction is “lets not talk about it” because I don’t want to think about it. I always thought it was because I don’t want to dwell on things, but I’m sure much of it has to do with wanting to forget instead of forgiving myself or others in the situation. At the same it, I think it is a fine line to walk… because constantly bringing up an issue that hurts does not mean forgiveness either; I could be constantly talking about it because I haven’t forgiven. But like you said, I agree that much of it has to do with the state of the heart what how the pain has worked to teach and transform us.

1. i think in terms of the redemption narrative, Jesus’ death is the center point, even though it comes chronologically after the passover. so in this light, looking at the larger work that God was and is doing, Jesus’ death didn’t fulfill the passover…the passover had to fit with Jesus’ death. so in this way, it is not a huge deal that Jesus died on passover, but it does help us to remember how God’s plan for redemption was fixed from very early on!

but you are right, the passover is not the only precursor to Jesus’ redemption – there is also the ram provided for isaac; there’s also the curse over the serpent, of one who would be struck on the heel but would crush the serpent’s head; there’s the prophecy of Immanuel of isaiah, and suffering servant. people call this idea proto-evangelism, or very early yet precious hints at the gospel of Jesus that fill the old testament – all of which point forward to the cross.

2. hm, i’m not really familiar with that issue, so i don’t think i can answer it with any real authority. but to be honest, i have killed, roasted, and eaten a sheep before, and it doesn’t take very long – a couple of hours? but that is just my stupid answer – i think you may want to refer to other resources for a more exact chronology of that time…

thanks for the question – all any of us have is the Word and the guidance of a good Father, so i think you’ll be fine!

1. Did Yahshua need to die at the same time as the 14th lamb in order to fulfill being the Passover? Wasn’t the shadow of Isaac and the ram as well as the 14th lamb leading us to the redemption from death made by Yahshua? OOps, that was two.

2. In the Old Testament account of Passover, how could the Hebrews kill, roast, eat, burn remainder, stay in the house through the night, and leave at night (Deut. 16:1) on the 15th (Num. 33:3)? I do not see how you can fit into one day. It does fit if the Passover is killed on the twilight of 13th into 14th, then stay in home until morning, plunder Egyptians 14th, and leave at night the beginning of 15th.

Please forgive my ignorance, all I have is the Word to go by. I do appreciate any and all feedback. It is my prayer the the Father guide me to truth on this matter. Thank you for your time. Shalom, Kelli

BUT. can they always act correctly, in every situation? are all their good works enough to restore a broken relationship with God? do their good works give them a framework from which they can understand the terrible evils around them? even for the most moral person, these are difficult, if not impossible questions.

persecution is when Believers suffer for living out their faith. it can be personal, political, hidden or open, but it is a response to someone distinctly trying to live as a Christian.

suffering is…suffering! and has many sources, and many effects. sometimes it is something we have reaped on ourselves, sometimes it is something that someone else is doing to us, like persecution. sometimes it is just circumstantial. the cause is very important to distinguish, but the ultimate point is that no matter what kind of suffering and its origin, God can redeem and use it for greater purposes.

i think you’re right sung, there is this big difference between the persecution we see overseas that fuels the fire of Christianity, and the suffering in places like new orleans, which seems to just destroy. but we need to remember what we talked about above, that no matter where the suffering is, and what its origin was… it is possible for God to still overcome it!!