“They will come from east and west, from north and south, and recline at the table in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 13:29) 

 #livedead  #pray  #Nowruz

The third item on our Haft Seen table is serkeh (سرکه). Serkeh is simply vinegar, but it can signify old age, patience, eternity, and bearing of hardship.

The most significant Biblical reference to vinegar is in the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion. John 19:28-30 (NIV) says, “Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

Jesus drank the cup of bitterness; He endured hardship, pain, humiliation, suffering, and even death. Through his crucifixion, Jesus took the punishment for our sin so that we could have eternal life.

Let’s pray today that Iranians would say yes to Jesus. Let’s pray that many will accept His sacrifice for them and receive eternal life in Christ.

Dear Jesus, thank you for drinking the bitter cup that we deserved. We again accept your precious gift of eternal life; help us to never take your great sacrifice for granted. Lord, we know that your gift of salvation is not just for us but also for all peoples of the world. You drank the cup of suffering and death for Iranians, too. Today, we pray that Iranians will say yes to Jesus. We pray that they will accept your sacrifice and your gift of salvation. May they one-day view serkeh, not as an abstract good luck charm, but as a symbol of their Savior’s suffering and their eternal life in Christ.