AT THE FIRST PASSOVER the Children of Israel where told to make their bread for the meal, and the subsequent journey, without yeast. It was to be unleavened bread. The reason for this command was because they would not have the time needed to let the bread rise, the kneading and rising activities would take too much time. They needed to be ready to move at moment’s notice.
For the children of God today, the need is still there; the need to be ready to move at a moment’s notice. We need to travel light. As with those moving from the captivity and bondage of Egypt to follow God toward the Promised Land, so it is with us. For them there was no longer the need to knead their bread, for us there are most likely some things that we no longer need as well.
To follow the Lord toward the “Promised Land” we too are called to travel light, to be ready to move as the Lord directs. I know that too often I hear the prompting of the Holy Spirit telling me to move this way or that, but my obedience is hinder by the things I think I need. The things hidden in my larder (as yeast was kept in the dark recesses) slow down my progress for the Kingdom. The Lord calls me to move out and I respond to the Lord, “I will go, but first I must wait for my bread to rise.” Sadly, the things I need slow down my progress.
Like the Hebrews of old, I believe it is time to sweep out the corners of our homes. To rid us of the yeast that causes what we need to be more important than obedience to the call and command of the Lord. If there is anything that needs to rise, it’s not our bread…it’s us.
Let’s rise up. It’s what’s needed.