Read: Exodus 12:1-30
I have a friend who makes the BEST sticky buns, EVER! She invited me over a for bun baking lesson. Afterwards, I set off to make them on my own. Sadly, I discovered I just don’t have the knack. The recipe has yeast in it. I am a respectable cook and baker, but I am not blessed with the “yeast gene”.
BREAD WITHOUT YEAST
In Exodus 12, God instructs His people to make and eat bread without yeast. This may have been an easier recipe for me. The instructions included purging their whole house of yeast to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This may seem like an antiquated, meaningless tradition to modern Christians. However, there is a valuable gem at the heart of this annual cleansing ritual.
YEAST IS EVERYWHERE
Yeast hides in a million places in tiny amounts and under different names. Pizza crust, crackers, soup, frozen dinners and salty snacks all have yeast. Salad dressings, mayo, pickles, yogurt, and cheese include yeast. They even use yeast to make chocolate (gasp!). Uncovering all of the sources of yeast in a house takes intentional effort. Not consuming yeast requires personal sacrifice, just like dealing with sin.
WHERE SIN HIDES
In the Bible, yeast represents sin. Sin hides in a million places in our lives. We call it different names and make excuses. Ever use any of these excuses? “Oh, it was just a little white lie.” “Sorry, I hurt you, but you started it.” “Everybody in my family is that way, that’s just how we are.” “I need the money, so I’m just going to fudge some numbers on my taxes.” “If don’t get caught, it’s not speeding.”
TOSS IT OUT!
What is at the heart of God’s request regarding yeast/sin? Spiritual house cleaning. It requires personal sacrifice to look at the things we think, say and do. Examine them. Do they match up with God’s ways. Do they honor Him? If not, just like the Israelites purging a whole house of yeast to honor Him, toss out the sin. This is an important part of our life-long journey with Jesus.
THE CHOICE
Will you take the challenge God offers us in Exodus 12? This week look for “yeast” in your life. Don’t repeatedly harden your heart like Pharaoh. Choose to yield to God like Jesus did. He prayed just before His arrest and crucifixion: “Not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42). What pockets of sin will you yield to God this week? Purge the yeast!
Father, we come to you with spiritual house cleaning in mind. Embrace us with open arms. Gently show us where the sin is in our lives. Joyfully forgive us and skillfully shape us to be more like Jesus. Free us. May we celebrate with You. Help us trust you in the transforming process. Amen.