In the Haggadah, we read that G‑d took us out of Egypt Himself rather than have His angels do it.
Why? If the
objective was simply to free us from Egyptian bondage, wouldn’t we be just as
free had He sent angels to free us? There is obviously something deeper
happening here.
G‑d freed us for a reason: to be His partners in
creation, to finish what He started and to fulfill His ultimate goal that we
develop this world into a place where His presence can dwell openly.
God is ever-present. However, nature hides His
presence. How then, is it possible for us, mere creations, to change nature?
Therefore, G‑d Himself redeemed us. For us to
affect creation, we had to be raised above creation. Even angels can’t reach
that high.
The Haggadah notes this point because the
central theme of the Passover seder is not only the Exodus from Egypt, but also
the ultimate redemption, the coming of Moshiach, when G‑d’s presence will be
revealed. Through our efforts, we hasten his coming. What gives us this
ability? The fact that G‑d raised us above creation.
How does one feel free when life is so
difficult? It seems that we are affected by our circumstances, not the other
way around.
Freedom does not mean that life is free of
challenges. Rather, we need to recognize that G‑d Himself put us into our
situation, and that it is not a challenge at all. It is an opportunity that He
is giving us to change creation.
You might ask me: “How could someone like you
feel free when you are not able to move most of your body? How do you remain
positive and happy in your predicament?”
That’s because I choose to see it that way. And you
can, too!
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