Today is Erev Pesach. We remind the Mitspacha to complete the final search and removal of all physical leaven (chametz) from your homes today. As you clear your physical space, ensure you are also clearing the spiritual leaven of sin and pride from your hearts through repentance.
Please note: A special Seder message will be released tonight at nightfall to guide our observance of the appointment of our redemption.
Shalom, Mitspacha!
Justice – capital responsibility / Cities of refuge and protection / Erev Pesach
"He that strikes a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death."
– Shemot (Exodus) 21:12
"Then you shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which kills any person at unawares."
– Bemidbar (Numbers) 35:11
"Seven days shall you eat unleavened bread; even the first day you shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Yisra'el."
– Shemot (Exodus) 12:15
As we stand on the threshold of Pesach and the SHABBAT, we are confronted with the weight of Divine Justice and the necessity of holiness. The Torah establishes that life is so sacred that the taking of it requires the highest level of accountability.
In His mercy, YHVH provided cities of refuge for those who caused death without intent. This reveals a heart of justice that distinguishes between the heart’s motive and the hand’s action, providing a place of safety and a path for restoration.
This theme of separation and safety is the very essence of Erev Pesach. Just as the manslayer fled to a city of refuge to be preserved from the avenger, we separate ourselves today from the "leaven" of our old lives. As we put away the physical chametz according to the command in Shemot 12:15, we are performing a prophetic act of seeking refuge in the Truth.
To enter Pesach with leaven still in our houses is to remain in a state of spiritual danger. By clearing our homes and our hearts, we prepare to be passed over by judgment and brought into the safety of the Covenant.
Today is about the removal of corruption. The search for leaven is a search for anything that "puffs up" or creates a barrier between us and our King. As the sun sets, let us ensure that we have provided a refuge of peace in our homes, having settled all debts of the heart.
We enter this Shabbat and this Pesach season not by our own merit, but by fleeing to the grace of the One who provides the Bread of Sincerity and Truth.
Abba YHVH, we thank You for the blood of the Lamb that protects us and the refuge You provide for our souls. As the sun sets on this year's preparations, we ask for Your help to remain pure and sincere before You.
We pray for peace in Middle East, South Africa and the world. Release your Ru'ach of goodwill and peace and bind the evil spirit of strife and war.
We pray for end-time revival. The signs are everywhere that Your Time is at hand. Wake the sleeping brothers and sisters now.
We pray for the elderly, especially those subject to abuse and neglect. Bring to justice every abuser and let their children remember Your Words about honoring them.
We pray for the farmers, especially those in danger of attacks. Send your protecting angels to guard them and bring every enemy of a farmer to justice.
We pray for people living in disaster stricken areas. Provide relief in the form of rain, food and shelter, YHVH Yireh.
We pray for evangelists all over the world, especially in those countries where they are persecuted. Protect them with a special angel when they do Your Work.
We pray for ill people, especially those with cancer and new viral diseases that are spreading like wildfires. You are YHVH Raphah. Heal them in Your Great Mercy.
We pray for the coming tribulation as the signs of the birth pains are here already. Prepare us for what is about to come.
We pray for our ministry (Derech Olam Ministries). May we find hearts that are ready and may Your Word reach them wherever they are.
Baruch YHVH.
Shalom until tomorrow.