On 14th of Nisan we celebrate Passover. In Exodus 12 Father AhaYah gave Moses specific instructions of how to observe this day. The Word states, "This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as an ordinance for ever" (Ex.12:14; also see Leviticus 23).
Many of us, including me, are new-comers to observing Yah's Appointed Feasts. I therefore would like to recommend some elements for you to consider for observing Passover and the seven days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
The days leading up to Passover: On the 10th of Nisan the lamb to be slaughtered was selected. This lamb had to be without blemish. Today we no longer sacrifice a lamb for Passover because YashaYah was that sinless lamb sacrificed for us on the cross.
- Let us therefore use the days approaching Passover to give thanks to YashaYah for being the sacrificial lamb who died for our sins..
- During this time we should seek Holy Spirit with fasting and praying to shine light on those sins and iniquities that are hindering our walk with Holy YashaYah. As these things are revealed, let us seek the face of the Most High Father and repent.
- We should anoint ourselves and our homes, including all doors and windows, praying a prayer of protection as we do that.
Passover on 14th of Nisan (sunset 29th - nightfall 30th March): This is a recommendation of what to do when observing Passover. The order in which you do these items will depend on your personal circumstances. This is not a tried and tested method, but put together after reading Exodus 12:1-28 and with consideration of what we have been taught and the manna we have received from Father.
- The day of Passover is to be observed as a Sabbath day. This is a day on which we do no work but devote ourselves to spending time in the presence of Yah through Bible reading, worship and prayer.
- The feast of this day is Holy Communion. We are advised to prepare our hearts before we partake in this ceremony. Please include a reading of Matthew 26:26 or any other relevant scripture and pray the 'Our Father' before partaking of the bread (unleavened) and wine (or grape juice). Our Holy Communion should end with prayers of thanksgiving for our redemption.
- As for the rest of the food, the Israelites were advised to eat the lamb roasted and with bitter herbs and not to leave any of the lamb until the next day. Many of us are no longer eating meat, however, if you do, please ensure your portion is only sufficient for this meal. Also avoid all food containing yeast like bread, pastries and cakes.
- We should also consider an offering to bring to Father. As an offering we could, on bended knee, reaffirm our commitment to serve Holy YashaYah and our desire to operate according to His will and not our own.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread: This Feast starts the day after Passover. The 1st and 7th days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread are Sabbath days on which no work should be done.
The main focus of this Feast is to lay down all sins that have now been forgiven. During these seven days we refrain from eating food containing leaven (yeast). As leaven symbolises sin, let us pray for Holy Spirit to help us to lay down and not pick up again any sins of the past. In addition to known sinful lifestyles we should also address the carnal sins of pride, greed, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony and slothfulness.
For this Feast we may wish to consider following a Daniel fast in order to ensure we eliminate all foods containing yeast.
I pray that Passover will be a blessed time for all of us and our families. Holy is YashaYah, the Lamb slain for us.