In the presence of Yeshua it seems that ignorance has become an opportunity to teach rather than an occasion for taking offence.

I’m aware that yeast is a symbol of sin and wrong action, a manifestation of the yetzer ha-ra (evil inclination), and I am then reminded of an article I once read concerning the natural forms of yeast that are present in the atmosphere. After all my work and all the cleaning and burning I’m left with this realization: nothing I can do will ever completely remove sin and wrong action from my life (house), I need help.
Where will my help come from? It has come from HaShem. How does my help come, given that there is no longer a Temple or an operational sacrificial system? HaShem says that the life is in the blood and that He has given the blood on the altar for the covering of sin. How now am I to see my sin covered? The answer is both spiritually and historically clear: The King Messiah walked the land of Israel in the first century CE prior to the destruction of the Temple (70 CE). He was and is the promised Son of David and the Suffering servant of Yishaiyahu (Isaiah) 53. He led a sinless (spotless) life and sacrificed that life for our sake. His shed blood is an everlasting covering and the complete removal of sin for all who receive His blood cleansing. Yeshua is the answer to my conundrum. His is the blood that covers my sin. His is the blood that purges even the atmosphere.
So I chant Bedikatz Chametz and watch the fire consume the yeast and I imagine even the lifting ash being consumed by light, death swallowed up by victory. I’m ready to eat the Pesach meal with my King Mashiyach, I’m excited to drink the cup of Redemption and eat the Afikomen (He is come). I remember His death until He comes. But it doesn’t end there.

And there is yet more. The Mashiyach sits on the beach with matzot and fish frying in a pan. I am transported to Yam Kineret (Lake Galilee). We sit together, we sit with my son at my side tugging on my sleeve, asking questions about the majestic figure Who is preparing the meal beside us. A well-meaning Goy (Gentile) passes by and asks about the chocolate Matzot that I’ve brought to share with the other Yehudiym. “That can’t be kosher?” he says. I’m surprised at myself when I realize I’m not offended by his ignorance. In the presence of Yeshua it seems that ignorance has become an opportunity to teach rather than an occasion for taking offence. “Friend” I say, “The idea that because something is sweet and dark, it must not be kosher, is one built on the false perception that God is interested only in observances that require self-denial and even self-flagellation.” The man appears puzzled by my response, and I’m equally surprised at the words coming from my lips, “There is no sense of discernment in obligatory religion,” I continue, “It is a device of human control rather than a guide to freedom. God is good and He has appointed occasions of both sacrifice and joy. Chocolate matzot is a product of the beautiful limitations of Pesach. And yes, it is kosher.” After a moment of intense contemplation the man asks, “May I try some?” I break him a piece and say, “Once you’ve finished this go over to the fire and ask The Rebbe for some matzah. He has matzot that will change your life”.
Pesach begins with the befriending of an innocent and spotless lamb, it continues with the death of that lamb and the blood covering of a household. From bondage we break free and the enemies of God are struck down. We are given bread from heaven for our wandering, Torah as our fuel and The Malakh HaShem (The Angel of The Lord) as our guide. Finally, Pesach begins anew with the resurrection of The Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world and like Joshua, He leads us across the Jordan and into the Olam Haba (World to come). Mashiyach was and is and is to come. Mashiyach Achshav (Messiah Now)!
© Yaakov Brown 2017