Warm hellos to you dear brethren, co-workers, and spiritual family on the Coast of the Gulf of Mexico and scattered children of God, from our offices here in Spanish Fort.

The last couple of Friday evenings we’ve been discussing both the Passover and the Night to Be Much Observed. We examined the separate celebrations of the Abib 14 Passover at twilight, and the departure of the Israelites beginning at twilight of Abib 15 – during the night we have termed the “Night to Be Much Observed” all based on scripture. This NTBMO was to be commemorated in the future at the Temple in Jerusalem with feasting on roasted sheep, cattle, unleavened bread, and other items, to remember the night the tribes of Israel were freed from Egypt and began their trek to the promised land of Canaan.

The Israelites continued in their march away from Egypt to their first stopover as the night of Abib 15 gave way to the daylight portion of the day. “Then the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children.” (Exodus 12:37) Logistically, that would be quite a site at any time in history!

As they rested briefly at their first stopping point, they took some nourishment in keeping with the celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. “And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they had brought out of Egypt; for it was not leavened, because they were driven out of Egypt and could not wait, nor had they prepared provisions for themselves.” (Exodus 12:39)

Did they cook the dough over an open fire or on some kind of stick? Did they have some kind of griddle on which they cooked the dough for a flat cake? Interestingly enough, they all came to the location and assembled together on that first holy day. We can also only imagine the conversations that took place around those campfires!

It may be that their stopover at Succoth was somewhat brief and they then quickly continued on their way after having something to eat. The Lord Himself was guiding, directing and leading their journey. “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.” (Exodus 13:21) This indicates that they continued to travel part of the time during the night as well as during the day.

Growing up I can remember when traveling to both the spring and fall Holy Days, we would often ask “Are we there yet?”

So, how far did they get by the end of the seven days of Unleavened Bread? There are Jewish traditions that claim that the Israelites crossed the Red Sea during the seventh day of Unleavened Bread. The Scriptures don’t specifically confirm this. But, is it possible that they crossed the Red Sea at Gulf of Aqaba, (likely at the site of Nuweiba) on the Western shore of the Gulf? There is quite a bit of evidence to support this assertion. Could the Israelites have arrived at this location by the last day of Unleavened Bread? With the number of people and animals involved, as well narrow condition of some of the roads they would have traveled on, it leaves some unanswered questions. The Scriptures don’t require that the Israelites crossed the Red Sea on the last day of the Feast.

It is very possible that the way (or road) that God led Israel took them through the wilderness between the two arms of the Red Sea. “So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 13:18)

Why even ask these questions you might ask?

We have just celebrated our deliverance by the blood of the Lamb and then our departure from “spiritual Egypt”. We observed as commanded the First Day of Unleavened Bread yesterday, and now we are observing these next 6 days of Unleavened Bread. The living God continues to lead you and me through a spiritual wilderness where we encounter trials, challenges and hardships. We go through these experiences “to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.” (Deuteronomy 8:2)

During these seven days of Unleavened Bread we are to eat this bread each of the seven days (Exodus 13:6) and recognized the meaning of “It shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the Lord’s law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt.” (Exodus 13:9)

It is important we daily study, reflect on, and live God’s words as we move forward.

From the communication and reports I’m receiving it sounds like all had a spiritually uplifting and nourishing celebration so far! I know my wife and I sure have here in Spanish Fort.

May you have a faith-filled and awe-inspiring Sabbath and upcoming Last Day of Unleavened Bread! Each day, removing sin, by and allowing Christ to live in us, must continue to be our focus, and in spite of all we see in this world right now, we must not take our mind or thoughts off of God and His plan and promises!

Arms up friends! Our prayers and thoughts are with you daily. Please do pray for us as well.