“Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed” (2 Cor. 5:7).
The title of this devotional may not created a sense of excitement. Who wants to be a “new lump?” Once you see the context and understand the significance, I think you may want to daily pray, “Father, make me a new lump today.”
In chapter 5 Paul has been discussing the issue of immorality which has impacted the community of Corinth. Tragically, some have actually become arrogant about the immorality thinking that it proves their advanced spirituality. Paul warns them both about immorality and arrogant boasting by reminding them that a little leaven can actually leaven the whole lump. If you have done any baking, you will certainly understand the illustration. A small amount of leaven can impact a large lump of dough.
Paul’s quotation about the leaven would have reminded many of his readers about the Jewish custom of clearing out the old leaven from the house before Passover. This practice allowed them to have a completely fresh start with the new year’s grain (cf. Ex. 12:15). The first batch of dough from which new bread is made is completely unleavened—a new lump.
What old leaven needs to be cleaned out at the beginning of this New Year? Are you willing to allow the Spirit to point out and cleanse the old leaven so you can be a new lump?
Prayer: Forgive and remove the old leaven so that I can be a new lump today. Amen