Emphasis Preaching Journal

This passage from Exodus comes from the biblical instructions for the Passover Seder meal: it is to be eaten hurriedly, "on the run," as it were. The loins are to be girded -- meaning the people are to pull up the hems of their long robes, and tie them around the waist (freeing the legs for running). Sandals on the feet, staff in hand: the people of Israel make ready to depart at a moment's notice.

There's a lesson for us in the ritual of the Passover meal. Compared to our society's fascination with the drive-through lane, this ancient remembrance of "fast food" has nothing to do with the random, chaotic way so many of us chow down on meals that come from paper wrappers and styrofoam cups. Far from being a random, distracted way of eating, the Passover meal is filled with intentionality and purpose. Every member of the Jewish community, that night, is focused on that story. Each one pledges to make ready to depart at a moment's notice, should the Lord require it. The feast concludes with an earnest admonition, spoken by one and all: "Next year ... in Jerusalem!"

There's a difference between being rushed and being ready. Fast food is rushed. The unleavened Passover bread and wine is a meal of readiness and holy expectation.