BETROTHAL
06th Apr 2016
Our friend Christie Eisner has written a wonderful book, “Find the Afikoman - encountering Jesus in the Spring Feasts”. It is a book recording her journey to find Jesus, whilst honouring her husband’s Jewish family, by participating in the special celebratory days in the Jewish Calendar.
Many things impacted me and brought a depth of understanding to previously well known verses and biblical accounts, perhaps non more than her explanation of the Last Supper, with a difference!?
Jesus had declared His desire to celebrate with his disciples, and had given very specific instructions of where to prepare for this special Passover meal. However, at some point in the Passover liturgy, He suddenly diverts to marriage language and introduces the sense of betrothal and with it the promise of coming to claim His bride. (Mark 14:23-25 & Luke 22:20)
It is possible for us as believers in Jesus to celebrate the New Covenant breaking bread and drinking wine with the emphasis on looking back, rather than forward. However, once having seen the betrothal language, I would encourage you to earnestly look for the coming of the promised bridegroom. He will come, we simply do not know the day or the hour, only the certainty, because He has promised. In many cultures ‘betrothal’ is almost more important than the consummation.
Next time you take communion and break bread, remember your ‘betrothal’ and tell Jesus you are longing for His appearing. Don’t get so occupied with life that your oil runs out and you lose the sense of the excitement and anticipation, when every eye will see his appearing and His corporate bride will be overcome with joy and fulfilment. (Matthew 25:1-13)
“Do this in remembrance of Me, until I come,” Jesus says. He has paid the bride price. He has left the gift of his Holy Spirit as a bridal gift, and when He returns, we will be with Him forever.
"Finding the Afikoman - encountering Jesus in the Spring Feasts" by Christie Eisner is available on Amazon.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
