Hello
Many of us, though ‘free’ had not fully grasped what freedom is until we experienced the imposition of physical distancing. For some, this memory will go with us to the grave, others are happy to forget already. On this final day of the festival of the Passover, please consider today’s Holy Nougat
“So Moses said to the people, “This is a day to remember forever—the day you left Egypt, the place of your slavery. Today the Lord has brought you out by the power of his mighty hand. (Remember, eat no food containing yeast.)” Exodus 13:3 NLT
Yeast is a leavening agent. In the ordinary kitchen, it may be cousins with Baking Powder (or Soda), which gives the extra lightness, depth and body to a cake or simple bread mix. During the first Passover, the children of Israel were supposed to be hurrying out of bondage, so they needed to pack simple, tight and light. While one might argue that yeast helped lighten the bread, it wasn’t necessarily durable or fresh for long; nor was it tight. Unleavened bread was hardier and not exceptionally heavier. I suspect that these are part of the natural reasons to forego leavened bread.
There was also the symbolic element to leavened bread. Because a little yeast or baking soda/powder could quickly and easily permeate the entire dough (that was the intent), it also became a metaphor for sin.
Every sin.
Dressed up, covered up, overlooked, hidden in plain sight, grave, blatant or confessed. By omission or commission, forgotten or ever-present.
All sin.
Sin distances us from God, and also holds us captive to the law of death (see Genesis 3) – choosing to eat that which is forbidden came with consequences, death. Only God can rescue us (remember Genesis 3). Usually with Blood.
Likewise, during the First Passover, the symbol of the blood over the doorpost effected God’s rescue mission for the children of Israel.
The feast therefore is a reminder of freedom afforded from literal and spiritual bondage through God’s grace. Unmerited, but wholly appreciated. A reminder that even in the Valley of Shadows, God’s presence is with us – whether we sense the presence of God or not.
This ordinance has been kept over the years, and continues to be practiced by many.
Today, we remember. God rescued the Children of Israel.
Some also remember that on another Passover, the Lamb of God was slain. And with His death came Full Freedom – if we choose to accept Him by our belief. The power of the leaven has been broken. Hallelujah! In God’s mercy, we’re freed.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
