By Naomi Balk

CIU Student Writer

The messianic deliverance from sin and into salvation was symbolized by a Seder observance at Columbia International University in April. The Seder was hosted by the Eto Beta Rho, the National Scholastic Honor Society for Students of Hebrew Language and Culture. CIU Old Testament and Hebrew professor Dr. Benjamin Noonan and Ministry Care professor Dr. Steven Johnson, led the participants in observing the symbols of Passover and remembering God’s work of delivering the Israelites from slavery.  

Attendees joined in recitations, and partaking of the reminders of historical events and scriptural truths including the Seder plate with unleavened bread, parsley, bitter herbs, Charoset (sweet, dark-colored paste), an egg, a lamb shank bone and Afikomen (matzo).

Graduate student Vanessa Vannoy said participating in a Seder helped her relate to the Hebrews of the Old Testament.

“They experienced slavery as a people (in Egypt), and being freed from that is something we don’t appreciate when we do not experience it,” Vannoy said. “In a little way it puts us in their shoes.”

But Vannoy also said it brought her into the New Testament and the work of Jesus as Messiah, setting free people from the slavery of sin.

“Jesus has come, and … fulfilled His promises.” Vannoy said.

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