Florence Levinson was a born teacher. She had taken me under her wing early, eagerly sharing her faith and answering any questions thrown to her, and I had many. Though familiar with Messianic Judaism through my mother, who had opportunity for witnessing when we lived in Florida, I knew the importance of the work she was doing and came to love it also. We were Southern Baptists, but most of our friends were Jewish. Having Florence as a Jewish friend was not strange to me. She taught me much and I am grateful to Yeshua for sending her into my life.
A beautiful mahogany dining table was covered with a festive cloth and napkins. Her best china place settings were used accompanied by small dishes of salt at each plate for dipping of parsley. The first dip refers to the tears shed in slavery by the Israelites. The second dip refers to the drowning of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea and the miraculous deliverance of the nation of Israel as a result (Exodus 14:13-31). Wine and grape juice were placed for each guest to have four cups. There was only one special wine cup at Elijah's place, reserved always for him alone. This symbolizes the future appearance of Elijah, who will signify the coming of Messiah.
One of her guests, her eldest son, would be costumed as Elijah. When the time came to open the door for Elijah he would walk in, drink the cup of wine and leave, returning through the kitchen door. During the seder, her son would make sure everyone became involved and felt a part of the festivities. The story of the exodus, the commemoration of the exodus from Egypt, would be read and told. "Thou shalt tell thy son"(Exodus 13:18). Florence Levinson and her family never lost their Jewish identity.
Non-Messianic Jews believe, according to Malachi 3:1 and 4:5-6, that Elijah will prepare the way for Messiah. They are looking for Messiah year after year, not recognizing that He, Jesus, has already come.
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Virginia Marin's Messianic Judaism topic, please visit the Discussions page.