Many of us have at least one “free” in our diet vocabulary, but how about our spiritual one? Have you been infected by the leaven, or erroneous influence, of religious leaders who are used by the enemy to sprinkle un-Biblical thoughts into our spiritual sustenance?
The Feast of Unleavened Bread, which begins on the second night of Passover, might be one dose of the antidote. It allows us to clear our bodies of leaven and our minds from the silently pervasive poison trying to invade our true identity. it is also a great season to ask the Bread of Life to lead us back into His Truth. It can be a spiritual detox of sorts to prepare us for a fresh portion as we anticipate Shavuot or Pentecost. From this Feast we can enter into the Counting of the Omer, a focused time of anticipation as we eagerly await Shavuot. Don’t forget to make sure you have the real Bread for the journey:
Leviticus 23:4 NKJV “‘These are the feasts of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times. 5 On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the Lord’s Passover. 6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Lord; seven days you must eat unleavened bread.”
The disciples knew about and most practiced this Feast, but the Living Bread gave them more insight one day:
Matthew 16:5 NKJV “When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. 6 “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” 8 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?9 Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11 How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”12 Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
I believe we have to ensure our own spiritual food is of the highest quality before we can bring someone the same kind of advice or mentorship for their relationship with the Bread of Life and His Word! Anything else stems from humanism based on carnal effort which results in religion, not relationship with Him.
Just like the recently-freed Israelites, we might walk faithfully through the wilderness for a season, yet His instruction will fall like the Shekinah Glory on Shavuot! It is a reminder of how He made His Presence known to the Israelites on Mt. Sinai. And likewise, just as the grieving and uncertain disciples met after His death and resurrection, so too will He renew our passion again:
Acts 2:1 NKJV “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Many Jews believe that there is a special access on the eve of Shavuot for our prayers to be heard and answered by The Almighty. So just as the weathered and weary Israelites pressed on through the scalding heat, so we too are refined as we exit wrong paradigms to trust our Faithful Guide toward our new assignment anointed with authority to present ourselves approved for this journey!
And don’t get discouraged when the wilderness feels like a race:
Philippians 3:12 NKJV “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you.16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.”
The L-rd has exciting things planned for SBE! We are pressing in through focused prayer for the future with our eyes fixed on Him so our ministry continues to be Spirit-led!
Be strong and of great courage, our leaven-leaving, Bread of Life-loving sojourners! May you have a powerful and meaningful Shavuot or Pentecost!
Taking His direction,
Selah Cohen