Passover and the Resurrection

Social media becomes a buzz through the seasons of celebration.  I think Shavu'ot / Pentecost probably receive the least debate, which makes sense, I think.  Torah was given at Mt. Sinai on Shavu'ot.  The Holy Spirit was given to the apostles in that upper room, and the reason there was such a crowd in Jerusalem speaking so many languages, is it was Shavu'ot.  Pentecost is the Greek term for 50, which aligns with Feast of Weeks.  Back to the social buzz of the spring.

Passover and Easter were very definitely defined to be separated, religiously; not by Messiah, but by the Nicene Council.  As we know from the accounts of the Gospel and Paul's writings, Passover was observed by believers and followers of Messiah.  When someone became a believer back in New Testament days, they continued to observe the Feast Days commanded in Torah.  Y'hshuwah did not come to start a new religion, but rather came in fulfillment of the Covenant of YHWH with Israel.  It was Constantine who started the new religion, but this article is not about Constantine.  In all the debates of tradition, perspective of symbolism, and practices of paganism, what is truth?

I have a few observations and a couple of questions when it comes to the official sorting!  Since Israel first experienced Passover, it has become quite steeped in Jewish tradition.  Since Messiah uttered the words, "this do in remembrance of me" words such as "Last Supper," Communion, and Lord's Supper have replaced what the Gospel writers called that meal.  The writers of the accounts of the Gospel referred to that last meal, as the Passover.  While the Christians of our culture continue to debate the proper name and frequency for this bread and wine "in remembrance," Passover has come to be considered a Jewish holiday, and both presumptions are wrong.

Here's just a few observations I'd like to share.  Traditional synagogue doesn't really make mention of Easter, other than to refer to the Christian holiday as a date on the Gregorian/business calendar.  Passover, on the other hand, is loaded with traditional observance.  Now, the Christians have plenty of Easter traditions that have been incorporated into their celebration as well.  I never heard anything "official" about Messiah's resurrection, rabbits, or dyed eggs in Judaism.

I do remember the question in Christian circles, years ago, about how rabbits became part of the Easter tradition.  The eggs were a bit tricky to explain as well, other than just "the celebration of life" . . . What stands out the most to me though is something I learned while visiting a Calvary Chapel nearly 20 years ago.  That Pastor taught from the pulpit that Easter was the English translation for "Ishtar" the goddess of fertility; Babylonian, I believe she was.  He then proceeded to give some very gory details about how the eggs were dyed.  Please allow me to reiterate, this information came from a pastor at a Calvary Chapel, long before myspace, Facebook or Google +.

As this season of life comes to it's fullness this year, I pray we see and celebrate the true meaning of Scriptural observance.  I have to admit, I miss the different colored eggs.  I am such a color enthusiast, I evn tinted the hard boiled eggs after I shelled them to make "deviled eggs" which have since been left uncolored and renamed "salad eggs."  As for eggs in abundance, homesteading has taught me, this is just the peak season for egg production.

Messiah didn't die to do away with Passover, it is to be observed through all generations.  He was the perfect Passover Lamb and was resurrected after 3 days and 3 nights, on the day of lifting the firstfruits in offering.  Scripture never once refers to Passover as a Jewish holiday, it is the Passover of YHWH!

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:  And he shall wave the sheaf before YHWH, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.  Leviticus 23:10-11

But now is Messiah risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits . . . I Corinthians 15:20

These are the feasts of YHWH, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.  In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is ADONAI's passover.  Leviticus 23:4-5

And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to YHWH throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.  Exodus 12:14