It Would Have Been Enough!

This past weekend we not only celebrated Easter in our home, but on Saturday night we also had our annual Passover Seder. In case you don’t know, I’m Jewish on my mother’s side. I began doing Passover with my family when my children were young because I wanted to help them understand their heritage and teach them the significance of God’s intervention in the life of the Jewish people (which includes our family), as well as his constant work among all of his people (which includes Jew and Gentile).  In fact, tonight I’ll be leading our church through the Passover Seder. 

One of the parts of the Seder is the “Dayenu.” It’s really one of the best parts of the ceremony. First of all, once we go through the Dayenu, including the singing of the song, we know that the matzo ball soup is about to come out, along with the rest of the meal!  Most importantly, however, the “Dayenu” reminds us of the incredible grace of God at work in our lives.  “Dayenu” means, it would have been enough.

Our Passover Table

During the “Dayenu,” the leader recites the work of God through the Exodus story beginning with the escape out of Egypt to the parting of the Red Sea to the provision in the wilderness to the entrance into the Promised Land (and details in between those points). After each line, the people declare, “Dayenu!”—i.e. “It would have been enough!”  In other words, since we don’t deserve anything from God, any act of God in our lives is an act of mercy and grace. Thus, we don’t demand of God but instead we are grateful for each and every work of God within our lives.

Think of it this way: God has not only given us the opportunity to be forgiven of our sin through Jesus, he allows us to call him “Father.  And, he not only allows us to call him “Father, but he has given us the gift of his Holy Spirit. And, he has not only given to us the gift of the Spirit, but he has given to us the hope of eternal life…and, he provides for our daily needs…and, he minsters healing to us…and, the list could go on and on! Surely, we can cry out each and every day, “Dayenu!  It would have been enough!”  But, God is so merciful and grateful to we who are his children that he continues to give and to bless and to act within our lives! 

Can you think today of all God has done for you? Can you declare “Dayenu” as you recognize the incredible work of God within your life? 

 “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.” (Psalm 143:5 – NIV)

“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits…” (Psalm 103:1,2 – NIV)

Dayenu! 

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris