A gunman killed three people at a Jewish Community Center in Kansas City yesterday; we are again reminded of how a peaceful moment can turn into a terrible moment of death. The suspected gunman is a known anti-Semitic. He apparently picked this place to vent his seething rage. It is a terrible reminder of a dark mood that resides within our world—waiting to emerge in it's full fury.

The timing of this tragedy is not a coincidence. It came on the evening of the Passover, the 14th day of the month in God’s calendar. For the Jews, Passover is a solemn evening that commemorates the Israelite Exodus from Egypt recorded in Exodus 12. On the night of the 14th God passed through Egypt killing the firstborn of the Egyptians, while sparing the firstborn of the Israelites. It was a night God displayed His judgment on Egypt and began delivering Israel from more than 200 years of slavery. It was an event Israel would never forget throughout their history.

In the hours following this night of nights, Israel took goods from the Egyptians and began their journey to a new land (Exodus 12:36-37). Freedom from bondage was before them and it was an exciting time. By the time the next day, the 15th, began they were on the move. To mark the occasion of deliverance from this former life, God told them to observe this night in perpetuity. “It is a night of solemn observance to the Lord for bringing them out of the the land of Egypt. this is that night of the Lord, a solemn observance throughout their generation.” (Exodus 12:42). In contrast to the previous evening, the Passover, this night carries a theme of remembrance, deliverance and hope.

As God had watched over Israel, now Israel was to watch for God by keeping this feast and never lose sight that He delivers from all forms of bondage, slavery and sin. Today for the Church—the “Israel of God,” (Galatians 6:16)—this night, which begins the seven-day festival known as the Days of Unleavened Bread, is kept as a night to celebrate deliverance from the bondage of sin and the present evil of a world in need of the knowledge of the one true God.

As I said above, the timing of yesterday’s tragic shooting in Kansas City is not coincidental. The god of this world despises the festivals of God and will occasionally prick the fabric of our world, exposing a brutal hatred for the things of God. The Passover period, a holy time of God, is the moment chosen this time. It is a solemn reminder for the people of God, the Israel of God, to keep a watch on God and remain close to him in worship and observance. Our passage through today’s world is full of challenges and trials. We need God’s watchful care always over and before us.

Tonight begins the Days of Unleavened Bread. If you want to know more about how to observe this festival today be sure to read more here.