Christians around the world are ending the observance of the Days of Unleavened Bread tomorrow. For the many who observe this festival of God's deliverance of mankind from the slavery of sin it is a most refreshing and meaningful experience.

For seven days God instructs us to refrain from eating our normal leavened bread that is puffy and soft and eat only the flat and firmer bread that has no yeast or baking soda (Exodus 13:6-10). It is an object lesson in putting out sin, overcoming the world, and relying on the perfect life of Jesus Christ to live within us (Galatians 2:20).

I am on the road today, traveling to be with a congregation of the United Church of God tomorrow on this last holy day. There is a thought I have had this year in reflecting on the meaning of their festival and the Passover observance that began theseason. It is how this spring festival marks a defining moment for any who begin this journey with God toward his kingdom. There is no turning back when we take the symbols of the bread and wine in the Passover service. Christ's death in fulfillment of the Passover sacrifice is once for all and is a lifetime experience that never ends for us. 

Many wanted to follow Christ when He walked this earth as a man. But the cares of life and other commitments kept them from throwing in completely with His mission and journey. Excuses were many and easy to find. He finally said to some who thought they had the "right stuff" that "no one having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:57-62).

To make the life changing decision to follow Christ means a sacrifice must be made on our part. It literally becomes a defining moment–a moment that defines the rest of your life. There is no turning back. Your hand is on the plow and your must go forward.

Have you made that decision? Have you counted the cost? The Days of Unleavened Bread gives us seven days of contemplation to consider the greatest journey of our life, the journey to the kingdom of God.