| (Copyright 05-25-2024) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas) |
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| Introduction: Each of the Feasts of the Lord carry much meaning for the people of God. Let me begin with a question. What is the meaning of the Last Day of Unleavened Bread? We are given a pretty good understanding of the meaning of the first Feast Day in the very name of this day. It is the LORD’S Passover: Leviticus 23:4-5 These are the Feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S Passover. Likewise, we are given a pretty good understanding of the meaning of the second Feast of the LORD in its name. We eat unleavened bread for seven days: Leviticus 23:6 And on the fifteenth day [the First Day of Unleavened Bread] of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. Strictly speaking, eating unleavened bread for seven days covers both the First Day of Unleavened Bread, and the Last Day of Unleavened Bread. So, why is it necessary for the Last Day of Unleavened Bread to also be a holy convocation, and what hint of its meaning do we find in Leviticus? We are simply told: Leviticus 23:8 … in the seventh day [of eating unleavened bread] is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. That verse does not provide much for us with regard to “the meaning of the day.” Nor does the rest of Leviticus 23 help us find its meaning. And yet, the Last Day of Unleavened Bread is a Feast of the Lord, and we should know its significance. Perhaps we can begin to find meaning for this last day by looking into the events that transpired for Israel’s exodus on that day. Israel left Egypt on the Last Day of Unleavened Bread. In this sermon, we explore how Israel was delivered by Jesus Christ so long ago, and more importantly, what that rescue means to us today. We find that Jesus is our Savior and Deliverer. Those men who were saved by passing through the Red Sea were to teach their children the meaning of the Last Day of Unleavened Bread. Exodus 13:8 And you shalt show thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt. Exodus 13:9 And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD’S law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand has the LORD brought you out of Egypt. [God’s deliverance] Exodus 3:8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; We love the story of deliverance because it has a very special meaning for Christians today—Salvation. For us brethren, this day pictures how we are delivered and saved by Jesus Christ. This Feast of the Last Day of Unleavened Bread prophetically pictures the life and work of the resurrected Jesus Christ, who has ascended to the throne of God, where He is now actively working on our behalf as our High Priest, helping us, not only to put the leaven of sin out of our lives, but to put on His nature, His righteousness—and have Him live in us. Being truly unleavened comes from the continuing covenant relationship with the Father and Jesus that Passover and Unleavened Bread symbolizes. Our covenant relationship with God ensures that we are being delivered. Our Deliverance is a sacred promise when we walk with Christ and admit: Romans 7:24-25 O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Last Day of Unleavened Bread (Sermon Notes) Offertory The title of today’s sermon is: Memorial of Deliverance Today is the Last Day of Unleavened Bread. It is a Feast of the Lord. These Holy Days teach us about the work of Jesus Christ in bringing many sons and daughters to glory (Hebrews 2:10). That is the Plan of God. We have just been shown during these Holy Days that Jesus is our Passover, and that He is also our Unleavened Bread of sincerity and truth (1Corinthians 5:8). Today, we find that Jesus is our Savior and Deliverer. In today’s sermon, we will look at a number of Scriptures that show how it is Jesus Christ alone who is able to deliver us from this body of death (Romans 7:24). No matter what anyone thinks, we cannot save ourselves. On the Holy Days we receive meat in due season (Luke 12:42), which means we address the meaning of this Holy Day. Briefly, this day highlights man’s deliverance by God. Not only deliverance from ancient Egypt – but the LDUB shows our need for deliverance today. The bigger picture of the meaning of this Day will have to include God’s Covenant Promise and His willingness to never give up on us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Exodus 3:1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. Exodus 3:2 And the angel of the LORD [this is actually Jesus Christ] appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. Exodus 3:3 And Moses said [to himself], I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. Exodus 3:4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. Exodus 3:5 And [Jesus] said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon you stand is holy ground. [because of God’s presence making the place holy—set aside for a very special purpose.] Jesus Reveals Himself to Moses Exodus 3:6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. Exodus 3:7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; Our title for today’s sermon, “Memorial of Deliverance,” comes from these verses: Exodus 3:8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; [the Promised Land] Those are prophetic verses picturing how Jesus Christ also hears today when His people cry out to Him. That is a matter of our faith. Today is the 21st day of the first month – The Last Day of Unleavened Bread. Leviticus 23:6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. Leviticus 23:7 In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. Leviticus 23:8 But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. There is not much meaning or direction here in Leviticus! But, the reason God gives for the Feast is to memorialize His deliverance. We find a little more direction here: Exodus 12:17 And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance forever. God gives us the fundamental reason for this feast. It says, “for on this same day I will have brought your armies out of the land of Egypt.” In other words, it is a memorial of God’s deliverance. That’s why God commands this Feast to be observed — to continually remember His deliverance. Today is a memorial of Christ’s works, and especially His deliverance. He is the Passover. He is the Unleavened Bread. He is the Savior. He is the Deliverer. End: Offertory Special Music: #86 When Israel Out of Egypt Went When Isr’el out of Egypt went and did his dwelling change, When Jacob’s house went out from those who were of language strange, God, Judah made to be His own and Isr’el His domain; At the sight of them the sea quickly fled, Jordan was driven back. Like rams the mountains and like lambs the hills skipped to and fro. O sea, what ails you, that you flee; O Jordan, that you turn back? What ails you mountains, that you skip, you skip and leap like rams; What ails you, hills, that you did leap, That you did leap like lambs? O at the presence of the Lord, earth trembled so with fear. O as the presence of the God of Jacob did appear; Who from the hard and stony rock did pools of water bring; And by His pow’r He turned the flint into a water spring. Let’s continue with the Sermon Memorial of Deliverance Exodus 13:1 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, Keep in mind that at this point Moses is no spring chicken anymore. He is getting older – well into his 80s! He does not yet realize it, but Moses still has 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Moses does not take credit for the deliverance – but properly gives God the credit: Exodus 13:3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: Exodus 13:6Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a Feast to the LORD. [that is today] Exodus 13:7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters. Exodus 13:8 And you shall show thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt. [It is all about God’s deliverance.] We see the title referenced here in this next verse: Exodus 13:9 And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD’S law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand has the LORD brought you out of Egypt. [again, God’s deliverance] We love the story of deliverance because it has a very special meaning for Christians today—Salvation: For us brethren, this day pictures how we are delivered and saved by Jesus Christ from evil. This Feast of the Last Day of Unleavened Bread pictures the life and work of the resurrected Jesus Christ, who has ascended to the throne of God, where He is now actively working on our behalf as our High Priest, helping us, not only to put the leaven of sin out of our lives, but to put on His nature—and have Him live in us. The apostle Paul wrote: 1Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as since you truly are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: Being truly unleavened comes from the continued covenant relationship with the Father and Jesus that Passover and Unleavened Bread symbolizes. Our covenant relationship with God ensures that we have been delivered. For God’s people, this Feast pictures the life and work of the resurrected Jesus Christ, who ascended to the throne of God, where He is now actively working on our behalf as our High Priest. It only remains that we avoid leavening in all its spiritual forms—sin, and that we continue taking in the True Unleavened Bread – which is Jesus Christ, and His words, so that we walk, even as He walked. 1John 2:5-6 But whoso keeps His word, in Him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that says he abides in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked. God’s Name and reputation were at stake with regard to Israel’s bondage. Was God able to deliver Israel or not? Would He be able to keep His promise and deliver Israel? We know the story, God sent plagues against Egypt to convince the Pharaoh to “Let my people go.” Exodus 5:1 … Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus says the LORD God of Israel, “Let my people go.” We will see right here that God had raised up Pharaoh for God’s own name’s sake. More on God’s Name sake a little later. Exodus 9:13 And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. Exodus 9:14 For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. Exodus 9:15 For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth. God’s Name and reputation are of utmost importance in this matter. Exodus 9:16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. God is going to make something great out of Abraham—and it is the nation of Israel—not only in the flesh, but in the world to come. The Last Day of Unleavened Bread, today, represents the miraculous opening of the Red Sea and the Israelites’ escape from Egyptian bondage and slavery unto freedom. For us brethren, this day pictures how we are delivered and saved by Jesus Christ from this evil world. We love a story of deliverance: First of all, the Israelites had to trust in God, otherwise they would not have followed Him, even after the horrific plagues on Egypt. Exodus 13:17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, [Gaza was a hot spot even back then] although that was near [a more direct route to the Promised Land]; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: Jesus traveled as a pillar of the cloud by day, and a column of fire by night, that lit their way. Sometimes God’s presence was like a focused spotlight. Exodus 13:18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. Exodus 14:1 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, Exodus 14:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea. Just so you know brethren, that area was like a box canyon – a veritable trap – caught between the mountains and the deep blue sea. There was one way in and no way out. To many, it looked like a foolish move… Exodus 14:3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness has shut them in. Exodus 14:4 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honored upon Pharaoh, and upon all his army; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so. Brethren, what does that mean, “I will be honored upon Pharaoh?” I will explain in just a moment… … that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. The Egyptians learned that Jesus was the LORD—but only with their dying breath! Exodus 14:8 The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand. Exodus 14:10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. The Israelites thought they were doomed to death at the hands of Pharaoh’s army. There was no escaping. How many of you brethren have heard of the WWII Miracle of Dunkirk? Miracle of Dunkirk was the impossible evacuation of 338,000 British and Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk, France, across the English Channel during World War II. Read that heart-warming story when you have time. And it was a sequel to what we are reading here: Trust in the LORD’s Deliverance Exodus 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. Well, actually, Israel will see the Egyptians one more time when their dead bodies wash up on the shore (:30). What Moses was saying was … ye shall see them again no more forever [alive]. Israel was delivered alive by Jesus Christ. Exodus 14:14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace and hold still. Exodus 14:16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. Exodus 14:17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honor upon Pharaoh, God is speaking of His retribution as in punishment imposed for the wrong committed as in: 2Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;], God will mete out justice correctly and decisively in His perfect judgment. Only God is able to administer proper disciplinary justice—that’s God’s honor. Exodus 14:17cont. …and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. And, interestingly, God repeats His reprisal and vengeance here: Exodus 14:18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honor upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. Exodus 14:19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: Exodus 14:20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these. [Israelites], so that the one came not near the other all the night. It was like a huge spotlight directing the path of the Israelites]: Exodus 14:21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. Exodus 14:22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. God held back the walls of water until every last Israelite made it across—then … Exodus 14:24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire [the dark side] and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, Pharaoh gives the order to turn around, stop pursuing the Israelites, and retreat back to Egypt. But it was too late. Exodus 14:25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drove them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; [who are up ahead] for the LORD fights for them against the Egyptians. Exodus 14:27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its strength [full depth] when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. Not a single Egyptian or chariot made it back to Egypt’s dry land. Exodus 14:30 Thus the LORD saved [read that as delivered] Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. Exodus 14:31 And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and His servant Moses. Think back to Genesis 12 where Jesus had promised to make Abraham’s name great by making Israel a great nation in fulfillment of His Covenant Promise. Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: The Children of Israel were delivered from Egyptian bondage. But what is the message of the Last Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread for today’s Christians? Christ’s sacrifice confirms the New Covenant and the “eternal inheritance” promised to Abraham and his spiritual seed. We, today, are the spiritual seed of Abraham. Jesus shed His blood so that a New Covenant could be made. This covenant is an outgrowth of the Sacrificial Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15), making his “great nation” a reality. It provides for our justification on the basis of faith, and that of all mankind, and promises eternal life to those who continue to the end in faith. Let’s turn over to 1Samuel 12 where Samuel is on his death bed. Fickle, carnal Israel sinned over and over again. Let’s skip forward in time to see how God continually worked with Israel to make them a great nation in fulfillment to His Covenant Promise to Abraham. 1Samuel 12:19 And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: [they saw what befell Israel in the wilderness] for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king. [Tall Saul] 1Samuel 12:20 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; [that is always the correct advice – to repent] 1Samuel 12:21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; [that is still the subject] for they are vain. Brethren, we need deliverance from this carnal flesh. Next, as we saw in Hebrews 13:5 Jesus said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee:” 1Samuel 12:22 For the LORD will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people. God’s will be done – His Plan will come to fruition for His great name’s sake. What would it look like if God did not come through for His people after all the promises He has made to Abraham and Israel in the past? It would ruin His good name and reputation. For all eternity, God’s Name will be praised! 1Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things He has done for you. 1Samuel 12:25 But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king. We will see some of King David’s thoughts… Psalm 106:7 Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked Him at the sea, even at the Red sea. How was Israel provoking God at the Red Sea? During the Passover in Egypt, Israel was still sinning with her idols. They had their idols in their pockets. They had forsaken our True God in Egypt. Ezekiel 20:5-10 shows that the Israelites in Egypt refused to get rid of their idols. Joshua 24:14, and Amos 5, show that the Israelites still carried their idols all throughout the 40-year wilderness journey and into the Promised Land. So, it was for God’s Name sake of showing His abilities and His character, and honoring His Covenant Promise to Abraham that He did not destroy Israel in their sins. Israel will yet be saved because of God’s promise to father Abraham. Psalm 106:8 Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake, that he might make His mighty power to be known. Psalm 106:9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. Psalm 106:10 And He saved them [same word delivered] them from the hand of him that hated them and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. Psalm 106:11 And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. Psalm 106:45 And [God] remembered for them His covenant and repented [of thinking to destroy them] according to the multitude of His mercies. Psalm 106:47 Save us, O LORD our God, [read that as Deliver us, O LORD our God], and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto your holy name, and to triumph in thy praise. David is harkening back to when shortly after coming through the Red Sea Israel worshipped the golden calf. They said that the golden calf just “appeared” out of the flames!!! That infuriated God so much He decided to wipe them out of existence. God had good reason to wipe Israel off the face of the map. God told Moses: Exodus 32:10 Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee, [Moses], a great nation. Exodus 32:11 And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why does thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? Exodus 32:12 Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? [Moses pleads with God for His Name’s sake.] Turn from thy fierce wrath and repent of this evil against thy people. Exodus 32:14 And the LORD repented of the evil which He thought to do unto His people. The apostle Paul tells us that we are to heed the story of this Last Day of Unleavened Bread as it unfolded for Israel: 1Corinthians 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 1Corinthians 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 1Corinthians 10:3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 1Corinthians 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 1Corinthians 10:5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 1Corinthians 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Brethren let’s realize that the Lord Is Our Light and Our Salvation. Are we like King David who prayed?: Psalm 70:1 Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD. God knows that to overcome sin and obey Him we need His Spiritual help – therefore – He wants us to know that He is there for us in times of need. He continues to give us time to repent and draw near to Him—but how much longer? 2Corinthians 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among [this corrupt world], and be ye separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. Make no mistake about it, God’s people are at risk of being drawn back into that “Egypt” from which they were once delivered. In this present distress we must cry out to God as our forefathers once did. God is faithful to hear us. He will hear us! We must be crying out to God for deliverance. We are living in a corrupt world which is fast becoming exceedingly more corrupt. We are to model our lives after Jesus Christ. This Feast of the Last Day of Unleavened Bread contains pictures for God’s people—the life and work of the resurrected Jesus Christ, who ascended to the throne of God, where He is now actively working on our behalf as our High Priest, helping us, not only to put the leaven of sin out of our lives, but to put on Christ. We find a command here: Deuteronomy 16:3-4 You shall eat no leavened bread with it; seven days you shall eat unleavened bread with it, that is, the bread of affliction (for you came out of the land of Egypt in haste), that you may remember the day in which you came out of the land of Egypt all the days of your life. And no leaven shall be seen among you in all your territory for seven days. God continues to reinforce the purpose and meaning of this feast. Verse 3 commands the eating of unleavened bread to remember God’s deliverance. He will deliver His people. Jesus is deliverer. Jesus means deliverer. What greater necessity is there than that we be delivered from the bondage of sin? Than that we come completely out of sin? …Than that we be delivered from this body of sin? 1John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. We cry out to God in our time of anguish and trouble to deliver us from our distresses. I wish we had time to read all of 2Samuel 22. Please read all of this song of David when you are able to do so – it is very good. 2Samuel 22:1 And David spoke unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: 2Samuel 22:2 And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; 2Samuel 22:7 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears. God delivered King David every time. (:49) Being truly unleavened comes from the continued covenant relationship with the Father and Jesus that Passover symbolizes. Remember how God almost destroyed Israel in Egypt, but He restrained Himself for His own name’s sake. God delivers us and He does it for His own Name’s sake. 1John 2:12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. Just as God saved the Israelites from Egyptian slavery and anguish – leading them through the Red Sea – God through the power of His Holy Spirit saves and delivers us, His People, today, from Slavery to Sin and the difficult problems we face – even the insurmountable obstacles that we think stand in the way of our Christian lives. The Children of Israel were unable to escape from Egypt by their own power – they needed God’s help – God’s deliverance. This Last Day of Unleavened Bread shows that we desperately need God’s help. We must cry out to God – we must plead with Him to help us. Let’s take a look at a few more inspiring verses in the Psalms and look at this concept of crying out to God for deliverance and being heard by God. Psalm 4:1 Hear me when I call, [David, a man after God’s own heart is begging of God] O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me and hear my prayer. David was a man after God’s own heart. Not just his repentance – but his constant looking to God to be saved, to be delivered, out of distressful situations. How did David know to write such eloquent prayers for our edification? The answer is that he was moved by God’s Holy Spirit to do so. Psalm 6:4 Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake. Psalm 7:1 O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: Psalm 25:20 O keep my soul and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Psalm 31:1 …In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Hurry! Tell God to hurry? Psalm 31:2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for a house of defense to save me. “Oh God, make me a fortress. Put a hedge of protection around me O LORD” (Job 1:10). Psalm 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. Brethren, we are righteous in God’s sight – not because of our own works – but because God has declared us to be righteous in the end—so it is so. He has imputed the righteousness of Jesus Christ to us. That is a marvelous thing. God will have us know this marvelous truth for our edification and encouragement. Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivers him out of them all. Psalm 37:40 And the LORD shall help them and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him. Psalm 39:8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish. Hurry! Tell God to hurry again. Psalm 40:13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me. Psalm 41:1 …. Blessed is he that considers the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shalt glorify me. We saw this glorifying of God on the First Day of Unleavened Bread. We glorify God when we bear much fruit, and when we let our light shine, and here, we see that we glorify God when we call upon Him for deliverance. Notice the depth of pleading that David goes into. This is God’s repetition to us – and I skipped over a lot of scriptures… We all find ourselves in hopeless situations that are too much for us. We are powerless to bring about reconciliation. We can do nothing to restore peace and fellowship, except for a smile and a nod. If it were not for the sure promises of God … we would surely perish. Psalm 56:13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living. God is glorified when we call on Him for His Name’s sake! We praise God’s Holy Name; Hallowed be thy Name; How great Thou art; God all Glorious. Psalm 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake. God says: Psalm 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. We know His character and what God stands for. Psalm 91:15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. Psalm 107 – Read all of this chapter when you have time. Psalm 107:5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Psalm 107:6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. Psalm 107:13 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. Psalm 107:14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and brake their bands in sunder. Psalm 107:15 Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:19 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved [delivered] them out of their distresses. Psalm 107:20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Psalm 107:21 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 120:1 In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me. We certainly do not want for our pleas for deliverance to be unheard. Unleavened Bread pictures coming out from under a death sentence – a death sentence that we brought on ourselves. 2Corinthians 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raises the dead:2Corinthians 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that He will yet deliver us; 2Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory forever and ever. Brethren, here is where we find ourselves today: Psalm 34:14 Depart from evil and do good; seek [the] peace [of God], and pursue it. If we are filled with our cries for God’s deliverance, it will be extremely difficult for the evil spirit of this world to draw us back into it once again. The world will continue, more and more, to lose its pull on us, its appeal and allure for us, because what we have been given spiritually is worth so immeasurably more to us. Our deliverance is a sacred promise when we walk with Christ and admit: Romans 7:24-25 O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. ———————————————————————————————————- See Warren Zehrung’s other articles at: Zehrung, Warren – Church of God, Bismarck (church-of-god-bismarck.org) Reprinted with permission from: Sabbath Church of God http://childrenofgod.net/ ———————————————————————————————————- |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: Memorial of Deliverance Article by Warren Zehrung Comments by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota) |
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| This is an excellent article. Just want to clarify a couple of things. In the introduction to the article, it says the following: Leviticus 23:4-5 These are the Feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S Passover. Likewise, we are given a pretty good understanding of the meaning of the second Feast of the LORD in its name. We eat unleavened bread for seven days: Leviticus 23:6 And on the fifteenth day [the First Day of Unleavened Bread] of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. In Lev. 23:4-5 stated above, the phrase “at even” is talking about “between the two evenings”. Between the two evenings happens once a day and is the time period between “Noon and Sunset”. In other words, it is always talking about the end of the day and refers to the Passover Sacrifice. You will recall Christ was crucified and died at about 3:00 PM on the fourteenth of Nisan. So, Christ being the Passover Sacrifice was killed at the same time as the Passover Lambs. Lev. 23:4-5 does not refer to a Day called Passover. It refers only to the time of the Passover Sacrifice. Once the lambs were killed, they were eaten on the 15th of Nisan. So, the Passover meal took place on the 15th of Nisan. Eze 45:21 In the first month, in the fourteenth day of the month, ye shall have the passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten. Luk 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. The feast of Unleavened Bread is not a second Holy Day Season. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are the same Feast which starts with a Passover Meal at sunset on the 15th of Nisan and lasts for seven days. |
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