Passover is about a month away and we are still social distancing, wearing masks, and possibly by now dealing with a little discouragement. This is actually a wonderful time to begin the cleansing process in preparation for a celebration of joy!
Leviticus 23 includes Passover and Unleavened Bread, as well as First Fruits as part of the Lord’s Feasts which we are encouraged to celebrate. The Hebrew word for Passover is “Pesach” meaning “to spring, jump or pass over something.” This refers to God’s deliverance of Israel from the bondage of Egypt, which brought freedom. Passover not only typifies redemption, but prophetically it was God’s plan for world redemption by Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb. What a great reason to celebrate!
“And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy,” Ezra 6:22. I have not personally found many Believers who celebrate the Lord’s Feasts, or become excited getting rid of the leaven or yeast in their lives. They believe it may be painful or too hard to give up enjoyable or addicting habits. It may be even more difficult for some to lay down their mental strongholds so they can receive inner healing.
However, Passover cannot start until all leaven is removed. Cleansing the home is the initial step of preparation. Believers know that cleansing the home includes the cleansing of our heart in cooperation with the Spirit of God.
In 1st Corinthians 5:7 Paul states: “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, just as you really are unleavened. For Christ the Passover Lamb has been sacrificed.” Because of the sacrifice of Jesus, we are already new. His death and resurrection has removed the leaven in our life. However, in a practical way, there is still leaven that we must cleanse inside and out from the influence of the world. It is a time of purifying our heart and a time to make a decision to separate our self from anything unclean.
In preparation for this Passover, March 27th through April 4th, we can begin to cleanse our “house,” get rid of the leaven, and celebrate as we experience His presence, joy and blessings! Let’s take advantage of this time with Him in prayer, enjoying His Word, and rejoicing because of the freedom our Passover Lamb has brought us!
In His Covenant Love,
