Josh List (21 March 2011)
"Brother Joe Chappell"
I just wanted to take some extra time today to
respond to your post regarding easter. I 100% agree with
you! It blesses my soul to the greatest to see other believers
fulfilling Zech 8:23, as in going back to how the 1st century believers
truly worshiped. I would however add to your list christmas as
number 2. That one grieves me because it so much more widely
celebrated and forced down my throat. I have people basically
thinking I'm unsaved because I won't put up a tree and lights during
their ignorance festival, so that one is a bitter pill for me to
swallow. The Resurrection for the most part is on the right day
most years when the Hebraic calendar and Gregorian calendar line up (as
they do this year for passover, unleavened bread, and first fruits).
About 10 years ago, I left all the paganism behind me and began
following the Lord in a Messianic way. So, when this time comes
around every year, we have a seder meal and really have a good time
with it. The prophetic images that are taught throughout the meal
process is so beautifully done that you can actually picture dining
with the Lord as he would have 2000 years ago. Also, before the
Lord left his disciples, he told them He would not drink again from
this cup until His father's kingdom. Most people don't know
what that means, but to a messianic, it means that last cup we drink
from during that meal represents the Marriage supper. He was in
effect telling the believers, that the next time we see Him, we will
drink that cup with him literally! There's even a saying toward the end
of the meal, " Next year in Jerusalem", but the Messianics take it a
step further saying, "Next year in the New Jerusalem!" For
me, this is just awesome. I've faithfully held to these
festivals because I feel as though we've been grafted in, and they
represent our separation from the world and future redemption.
It is exciting seeing all these things coming to pass because I feel
like there's always that chance that this year could be the one we sit
and dine with our Lord and all the prophets of old along with the
ancients. I pray this year brings our redemption. Praise
the name of the Lord.
In Yeshua,
Josh List