As we enter the week of Passover, let us remember that this is the time for a fresh start. The Passover feast corresponds to what occurred in the outer court of the tabernacle--cleansing and redemption. This is the place where we take our first steps in approaching God. Before entering God's presence we must be washed clean and covered by the blood of His atoning sacrifice.
Paul talks about the need for removal of leaven (sin) in our lives in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8. "Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." (NKJ) In a recent newsletter, Curt Landry explains the significance of the word sincerity in the phrase, "unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." The word means that which is "judged by sunlight." This is a reminder of the pottery that was sold by merchants in Biblical days. If there was a crack or flaw in the pot, the merchant would hide it with wax. However, one could see the flaw if they held the pot up to the bright sunlight. Curt says that such things as "lack of knowledge, false information, lies and deception crack our vessels." We may try to fix our flaws with wax, however, wax melts in the heat causing the cracks to open and the contents of our vessel to spill out. Curt continues: Allow the Lord to "fix the cracks in your vessel; not with wax, but with true, deep healing so that your vessel can shine in the light of the Son." God uses the time of the celebration of Passover to redeem and restore us--His vessels--so that we can hold all the blessings that He wants to pour out into us. Paul reminds us that we are like jars of clay for a reason: "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (2 Corinthians 4:7) Curt Landry believes that the Scripture we need to embrace for this year comes from Zechariah 9:12. "Return to the stronghold you prisoner of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you." (NKJ) The reason for this has to do with the way God has set in motion the mirroring of the spiritual and physical realms. Passover this year is an extremely special one because there will be a double celebration at the Passover table. Fifty years ago (1967) Jerusalem was reunified. So, we can say that this is Jerusalem's Jubilee Passover. The 50th year is one that should be consecrated to the Lord. It is a time to "proclaim liberty." It is a time of return and restoration. It is a time to be holy unto the Lord. (Leviticus 25:10-14) How special that we can celebrate the feast of Passover and the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem--God's holy city--all at the same time! Watch for double blessings! I can tell you that I am already experiencing this for myself and pray that you too will see the miracle-working hand of God pouring out His blessings upon you. |
Joan E. MathiasCategories
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