Spring Cleaning

Following Jewish tradition, during the last several weeks the regular, weekly reading of the Torah was accompanied by a series of special readings proclaiming to the Jewish people that the Holy Season of Passover had begun.

In practical terms, in every Jewish home, this is the season to clean house. Leavening, or to the Jewish household “chametz” is forbidden as it is believed that leaven is symbolic of sin. Jewish households will search for even the smallest speck of chametz and it is cast out.

Therefore, in preparing for Passover the home must be swept clean, and this ritual cleansing goes beyond food items. Anything that has come in contact with leaven must be purified; pots, pans, dishes, etc. must be washed.

This religious exercise is intended to mirror a spiritual corollary, as this is a sacred time for Jews as they prepare their hearts to commemorate what is arguably the most significant event in their history.

There are times in all of our lives that we need cleansing. Living in this “dirty” world should, at least occasionally, cause even the best Christian to recognize the need for spiritual housekeeping.

When unforgiveness, jealousy, envy, lust, greed, and the biggest one of all, pride, take root in our hearts, they “dirty” us. It is a good thing for us to pause and take inventory of our lives, our attitudes, our priorities, and to remove the “chamtez”. In order to be acceptable for God to work within our lives, we need to be “clean” vessels. What a verse is I John 1:9, “If we confess He will forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Take inventory. Look for the “chametz” in your life and remove it. Then prepare for the blessings of God.

See you Sunday!

Pastor