Passover Preparation Brings Joy - Richard Maisenbacher
I am asked periodically why I celebrate Passover. First, it is one of the three feasts our Lord requests His people to observe. Secondly, by requiring the feasts, the Lord forges a connection, reminding His people of their liberation from Egypt and their transition from bondage to freedom. With this yearly feast, we pause and remember what God has done, delivering us from our personal Egypt.
Significance of Passover Preparation
Passover begins on Saturday, April 1, 2026. March 3rd marks the start of the 30-day recommended preparation period for Passover, one of the three required Feasts of the Lord as outlined in Leviticus chapter 23. This period is a special opportunity for cleansing in anticipation of a joyful celebration.
Meaning of Passover “Pesach”
The Hebrew word for Passover is Pesach, which means “to spring, jump, or pass over something.” This term reflects God’s deliverance of Israel from the bondage of Egypt, an act that brought the nation freedom. Passover represents redemption and, prophetically, points to God’s plan for world redemption through Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb. This is a profound reason for celebration!
Joy in Observing the Feast
As Ezra 6:22 records: “And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy.” Despite the joy described in Scripture, it is uncommon to find many believers who fully participate in the Lord’s Feasts or who are enthusiastic about removing leaven or yeast—symbolic of sin and unhealthy habits—from their lives. Many people see this process as difficult or painful, especially when it involves letting go of enjoyable or addictive behaviors or confronting mental strongholds that require inner healing.
The Meaning of Cleansing
As Passover draws near, the removal of leaven from the home becomes a central focus. In biblical tradition, leaven symbolizes sin, corruption, and defilement. Cleansing, therefore, is more than a physical act; it is a call to examine and purify the heart in partnership with God’s Spirit.
Challenges in this Present Era
We live in a complex era, shaped by conflicting opinions and decisions across the seven “mountains” of society: religion, family, government, business, media/communications, arts/entertainment, and education. Each sphere is marked by disagreements and controversy, making it increasingly challenging to focus and maintain God’s peace.
Newness Through Christ - Our Passover Lamb
In 1 Corinthians 5:7, Paul writes: “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, just as you really are unleavened. For Christ the Passover Lamb has been sacrificed.” Through Jesus’s sacrifice, believers are made new, and his death and resurrection have removed the leaven from our lives. Yet there remains a daily, practical process of cleansing ourselves from internal and external influences. This is a time to purify our hearts and choose to separate from anything unclean.
Embracing the Season of Preparation
As we prepare for Passover, from April 1 through April 9, we are invited to cleanse our “house,” remove the leaven, and celebrate while experiencing God’s presence, joy, and blessings. This is a time to seek Him in prayer, delight in His Word, receive His love, and rejoice in the freedom that our Passover Lamb has provided!
In His Covenant Love and Happy Pesach!
Richard Maisenbacher
Covenant Outreach Ministries, Inc.
Contact: www.info@thecovenantcenter.com