What vow will you take?
My friend told me she was going to a little village in Germany to watch a Passion play. What is a Passion play I asked. She said it was the Easter story where Jesus is arrested, put on trial and is crucified. It’s such a sad story, not one I feel passionate about, I exclaimed. Passion in Latin means suffering she explained. Well I hope they remember to include the resurrection and ascension I silently commented.
This was years ago. I was reminded of it again because the origins of producing this play every ten years was due to a vow made by the villagers when a plague threatened the lives of it’s citizens and Europe.
Here is the Oberammergau history according to; https://2020-oberammergau.com/history/– In the 17th century the thirty years’ war took place (1618-1648) in central Europe and was one of history’s most devastating. As a result of the war, poverty and disease was widespread and thousands died as a result of the plague. In the small village of Oberammergau alone there were 80 deaths. During this time of suffering the citizens of Oberammergau made a sacred pledge that every 10 years they would perform a “Play of the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ” if God would protect them from the plague. Legend has it that after the vow was made, there was not even one further case of Bubonic Plague in the village and those town members that already were afflicted recovered.
Also: https://www.themiracleofmysteria.com/stories-behind-the-story/the-story-of-oberammergau/
Oberammergau passion play history. The promise was fulfilled for the first time during Pentecost in 1634 and every 10 years since, the villagers of Oberammergau have continued to implement their pledge with the exception of 1940 when the play was cancelled due to World War 2.
This tradition has continued over 4 centuries with only residents of Oberammergau permitted to actually take part. The participants devote a year of their lives to re-enact the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. All of the people taking part in the Passion play or as it is known in German “Passionsspiele” are ordinary people who carry on pursuing their normal everyday lives such as doctors, teachers, housewives etc. All the main speaking parts have always been filled by actors who were born in Oberammergau or have lived there for at least 20 years. This custom has remained throughout the 380 years since this world famous Passion Play was first performed.
Watch this trailer for The Passion Play
What insights have you received from praying about this virus?
My go to Bible verse comes from Psalm 91
Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, can say to him, “You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust.” He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. He will cover you with his wings; you will be safe in his care; his faithfulness will protect and defend you. You need not fear any dangers at night or sudden attacks during the day or the plagues that strike in the dark or the evils that kill in daylight. 7A thousand may fall dead beside you, ten thousand all around you, You will look and see how the wicked are punished. You have made the Lord your defender, the Most High your protector, and so no disaster will strike you, no violence will come near your home. God will put his angels in charge of you they will hold you up with their hands to keep you from hurting your feet on the stones. You will trample down lions and snakes, fierce lions and poisonous snakes. God says, “I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as Lord. When they call to me, I will answer them;when they are in trouble, I will be with them. I will rescue them and honor them. I will reward them with long life; I will save them.” when they are in trouble, I will be with them to protect you wherever you go. but you will not be harmed.
Jenny Morris has a BA degree in social work, and added the most important element, God, as the ultimate healer. How could any difficulty be resolved without prayer for the right solutions?
Jenny received her CCLC, MCLC, Stress Relief Coach© and Quasar Life Coach© certification, then developed the Relationship Communication Specialist© training and certification program in collaboration with Dr. Leelo Bush.
Jenny has spoken at a variety of national, international and local conferences throughout the years. She especially loves uplifting others through her engaging presentations laced with stories from the Bible, making them highly relevant and interactive with contemporary subject matter.
For more information or to sign-up for her newsletter, visit: https://jennygracemorris.com/clarify-your-calling-gift/