SEEK THE SAVIOR
“This is what [the LORD] showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. And the LORD asked me, ‘What do you see, Amos?’
“’A plumb line,’ I replied.
“Then the Lord said, ‘Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.’”
Amos 7:7-8
Amos is considered one of the ‘minor’ prophets, minor only meaning that his writing is small compared to such prophets as Isaiah or Ezekiel. The message that he brings is still from God and still true. It is said that Amos prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah in Judah, and Jeroboam II in Israel. From Amos 1:1, where he states it is two years since the earth quake during the reign of Uzziah, and the confirmation of this by Zechariah where he also speaks of the earth quake (Zech 14:5), we can deduce that Amos was written at approximately 750 BC. But even though the words he spoke were spoken so long ago, the truth that he prophesied to the people of Israel is still valid for us today.
There are two main points seen as you read Amos 7:1-9, and I want to take a minute to look at both. In verses 1-3, God shows Amos that He is preparing to unleash a swarm of locusts between the king’s share which had been harvested and the second crop that was coming up. As Amos saw this vision, he cried out to God on behalf of the people. “God, if you do this, how will Your people survive?” So God relented. In a second vision, found in verses 4-6, God then showed Amos His judgment through fire. The fire dried up the great deep and devoured the land. But again Amos begged of the LORD, “If you do this, how can Your people survive?” God relented once more.
A third vision was seen by Amos and recorded in verses 7-9. In this vision God stood by a wall that had been built true to plumb. True to plumb means balanced exactly toward the earth’s center of gravity. God was showing Amos a plumb line and spoke to him concerning the fate of Israel. God was about to check Israel’s center of gravity to see if it was in line with His ways. If not, God was not going to spare them a third time. In essence, God had helped Israel to stand tall, but he was looking to see if over time the wall was still in line with His original structuring. If the wall showed to be bowed or bulged, God would knock it down and rebuild it.
Matthew Henry writes, “The Lord now seems to stand upon this wall. He measures it; it appears to be a bowing, bulging wall. Thus God would bring the people of Israel to the trial, would discover their wickedness; and the time will come, when those who have been spared often, shall be spared no longer. But the Lord still calls Israel his people. The repeated prayer and success of the prophet should lead us to seek the Savior.”
Twice, the prayer and petition of Amos spared the people. To us, that should be an indication that a humble prayer of forgiveness followed by a turning from evil and a walking out in God’s ways can indeed lead to mercy on us by God. But then, it is also true, that if we ignore the change that we need to make, God’s mercy will eventually run out. Let us not be ones who forsake the mercy of God, but rather let us be those who cry out in forgiveness, change our ways to match His, and truly seek our Savior.
https://www.onthevanguard.com/
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
GET NAKED
“The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.”
Genesis 2:25
So what did you get for Christmas? A new coat, sweater, or scarf? Did you get that pair of boots you were hoping Santa would bring? How about a nice button down shirt? Perhaps you received a dress, or some casual yet nice looking slacks. Maybe you got a pair of those socks which have a place for each individual toe. Well whatever it is, it’s time to take it off. No, not your physical clothes silly, please keep those on. What I’m referring to is shame.
When Adam and Eve roamed the garden, the Bible tells us that they were naked and knew no shame (Gen 2:25). At this time they were not aware of the effects of sin because they did not know of sin. Only one command had been given to them – to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It wasn’t until after they had sinned by eating from this tree that they realized they were naked and needed covering (Gen 3:7).
Now you can’t get more naked than naked, but in both of these verses, the word naked is different. In Genesis 2:25, the word naked is the Hebrew word ‘AROWM which translates into being bare. Adam and Eve were created as naked people. They came into world with nothing; they came bare. This word ‘AROWM is also used in Ecclesiastes 5:15 where Solomon reminds us that as we came into the world bare of anything, so we will leave taking nothing. What we wear on Earth will stay behind. All these things, the toys, and the possessions will not come with us to heaven. This idea reminds me of my grade school days where we learned that the Egyptians would be buried with items that they planned to take into the next life. These earthly possessions never went beyond the grave.
There is a slight difference between the two words, however. The word naked in Genesis 3:7, is the word ‘EYROM which refers to being naked of clothing. While true that we also came into the world physically naked, it is common to be dressed in our Sunday best when we leave. In Ezekiel 16:39, we read prophesy where the people would be striped and left naked. This same act of physical nakedness that would bring shame to the nation was the same nakedness and shame seen by Adam and Eve following their sin.
While I am not suggesting by any means that we strip ourselves of our physical clothes, I am suggesting that we strip ourselves of shame. And shame is just one item of sin’s clothing. We would do well to strip ourselves of guilt, pride, selfishness, lies, and deceit to name but a few. If these sins entangle us, then we should do as the author of Hebrews tells us and strip off the sin that has us bound (Heb 12:1). We cannot run the race for God in the manner of which we are told if we are bound by clothing from the devil’s closet.
It is time that we make the effort to stand naked before God and know no shame, no guilt, and no sins of any kind. Each day is a new day, a new morning, a new entry in the journal of life. Today is the day of God’s salvation, and He wants to save you from the sin that has you bound so that you can stand bare before him. Let’s make the effort of crying out to God for the forgiveness of our sin. Let’s get naked.
“The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.”
Genesis 2:25
So what did you get for Christmas? A new coat, sweater, or scarf? Did you get that pair of boots you were hoping Santa would bring? How about a nice button down shirt? Perhaps you received a dress, or some casual yet nice looking slacks. Maybe you got a pair of those socks which have a place for each individual toe. Well whatever it is, it’s time to take it off. No, not your physical clothes silly, please keep those on. What I’m referring to is shame.
When Adam and Eve roamed the garden, the Bible tells us that they were naked and knew no shame (Gen 2:25). At this time they were not aware of the effects of sin because they did not know of sin. Only one command had been given to them – to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It wasn’t until after they had sinned by eating from this tree that they realized they were naked and needed covering (Gen 3:7).
Now you can’t get more naked than naked, but in both of these verses, the word naked is different. In Genesis 2:25, the word naked is the Hebrew word ‘AROWM which translates into being bare. Adam and Eve were created as naked people. They came into world with nothing; they came bare. This word ‘AROWM is also used in Ecclesiastes 5:15 where Solomon reminds us that as we came into the world bare of anything, so we will leave taking nothing. What we wear on Earth will stay behind. All these things, the toys, and the possessions will not come with us to heaven. This idea reminds me of my grade school days where we learned that the Egyptians would be buried with items that they planned to take into the next life. These earthly possessions never went beyond the grave.
There is a slight difference between the two words, however. The word naked in Genesis 3:7, is the word ‘EYROM which refers to being naked of clothing. While true that we also came into the world physically naked, it is common to be dressed in our Sunday best when we leave. In Ezekiel 16:39, we read prophesy where the people would be striped and left naked. This same act of physical nakedness that would bring shame to the nation was the same nakedness and shame seen by Adam and Eve following their sin.
While I am not suggesting by any means that we strip ourselves of our physical clothes, I am suggesting that we strip ourselves of shame. And shame is just one item of sin’s clothing. We would do well to strip ourselves of guilt, pride, selfishness, lies, and deceit to name but a few. If these sins entangle us, then we should do as the author of Hebrews tells us and strip off the sin that has us bound (Heb 12:1). We cannot run the race for God in the manner of which we are told if we are bound by clothing from the devil’s closet.
It is time that we make the effort to stand naked before God and know no shame, no guilt, and no sins of any kind. Each day is a new day, a new morning, a new entry in the journal of life. Today is the day of God’s salvation, and He wants to save you from the sin that has you bound so that you can stand bare before him. Let’s make the effort of crying out to God for the forgiveness of our sin. Let’s get naked.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
GOLD, FRANKINCENSE, AND MYRRH
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”
Matthew 2:11
From the East, wise men came to pay homage to the King. They followed a star in the sky which led them to Jerusalem. As they met with King Herod they questioned where the King of the Jews was born. The response the received was found in the words of the prophet Micah who announced the birth of the Savior would be in Bethlehem. According to researcher Rick Larson who has spent years researching and hosting events concerning the Star of Bethlehem, these wise men were not the typical magicians and enchanters that their name suggested. The term Magi, which we translate as wise men, is the root in which we get our word ‘magic’. However, these men were learned men, and thought to have been from the continuing school of wise men drafted during the Babylonian captivity where Daniel and the three Hebrew boys also studied. With this idea, they would have been instructed in the ways and prophesies of the Jewish race and aware of a coming Messiah.*
But what do we really know about the gifts these magi brought for the baby? We have grown up knowing their names, but do we know why they brought these specific gifts? It has been a question I have pondered as Christmas has come this year and I would like to share a little of my research with you.
The first named gift is gold. It was not uncommon for gold to represent status and richness. The temple was adorned in gold plating, the king’s crown was forged of gold, and the sheer fact of gold coins as money was widely used by many. Ancient Persia exported gold to kings and emperors within Asia and the Middle East, and therefore the fact that the wise men bared this gift made sense. Every king delighted in his worth; every king wanted to be more famous and wealthier than those before him. And so, in honor of the King, gold was brought forth.
Incense, or more commonly, Frankincense, is the second gift laid before the baby Jesus. Frankincense is a gum resin from the sap of a Boswellia Thurifera. These trees are located mainly in the Middle East and Somalia. When the bark is cut, the sap is left to harder for approximately three months before it is then scraped off and grounded into a fine powder. The powder was used for religious ceremonies, as well as in perfumes. Presently it is used in eye liners. This incense, along with myrrh, was extremely valuable along the Middle Eastern and European trade routes of years ago.
Myrrh, in some relation to Frankincense, is also derived from sap. This gum resin is found in the sap of the Commiphora tree found in Arabia and parts of Africa. When the sap hardens, it too is grounded into a fine powder which can then be added to perfumes and incense. It has also been found that myrrh was an ingredient in the ointment used within the context of embalming, as well as a medicine for sores and wounds. Today, myrrh is used in mouthwash, toothpaste, and make-up.
Although we can try to place a reason for each gift and how it related to the life of Jesus, some scholars and pastors simply believe that the gifts were given based on their wealth and popularity of the time. I leave this thought for your debate. But in closing, I want to touch on worth. These gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were common, yet costly in their time. The wise men brought these gifts with no strings attached. They gave Jesus their best. When I read this passage in the Christmas story I am challenged. In my own way and means, I have gifts of value, talents, and time. But the question is am I giving my best to Him? Am I willing to lay down that which is most precious to me in order to worship and honor the King? Oh that my answer would always be, “Yes”.
*http://www.bethlehemstar.net/stage/stage.htm
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”
Matthew 2:11
From the East, wise men came to pay homage to the King. They followed a star in the sky which led them to Jerusalem. As they met with King Herod they questioned where the King of the Jews was born. The response the received was found in the words of the prophet Micah who announced the birth of the Savior would be in Bethlehem. According to researcher Rick Larson who has spent years researching and hosting events concerning the Star of Bethlehem, these wise men were not the typical magicians and enchanters that their name suggested. The term Magi, which we translate as wise men, is the root in which we get our word ‘magic’. However, these men were learned men, and thought to have been from the continuing school of wise men drafted during the Babylonian captivity where Daniel and the three Hebrew boys also studied. With this idea, they would have been instructed in the ways and prophesies of the Jewish race and aware of a coming Messiah.*
But what do we really know about the gifts these magi brought for the baby? We have grown up knowing their names, but do we know why they brought these specific gifts? It has been a question I have pondered as Christmas has come this year and I would like to share a little of my research with you.
The first named gift is gold. It was not uncommon for gold to represent status and richness. The temple was adorned in gold plating, the king’s crown was forged of gold, and the sheer fact of gold coins as money was widely used by many. Ancient Persia exported gold to kings and emperors within Asia and the Middle East, and therefore the fact that the wise men bared this gift made sense. Every king delighted in his worth; every king wanted to be more famous and wealthier than those before him. And so, in honor of the King, gold was brought forth.
Incense, or more commonly, Frankincense, is the second gift laid before the baby Jesus. Frankincense is a gum resin from the sap of a Boswellia Thurifera. These trees are located mainly in the Middle East and Somalia. When the bark is cut, the sap is left to harder for approximately three months before it is then scraped off and grounded into a fine powder. The powder was used for religious ceremonies, as well as in perfumes. Presently it is used in eye liners. This incense, along with myrrh, was extremely valuable along the Middle Eastern and European trade routes of years ago.
Myrrh, in some relation to Frankincense, is also derived from sap. This gum resin is found in the sap of the Commiphora tree found in Arabia and parts of Africa. When the sap hardens, it too is grounded into a fine powder which can then be added to perfumes and incense. It has also been found that myrrh was an ingredient in the ointment used within the context of embalming, as well as a medicine for sores and wounds. Today, myrrh is used in mouthwash, toothpaste, and make-up.
Although we can try to place a reason for each gift and how it related to the life of Jesus, some scholars and pastors simply believe that the gifts were given based on their wealth and popularity of the time. I leave this thought for your debate. But in closing, I want to touch on worth. These gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were common, yet costly in their time. The wise men brought these gifts with no strings attached. They gave Jesus their best. When I read this passage in the Christmas story I am challenged. In my own way and means, I have gifts of value, talents, and time. But the question is am I giving my best to Him? Am I willing to lay down that which is most precious to me in order to worship and honor the King? Oh that my answer would always be, “Yes”.
*http://www.bethlehemstar.net/stage/stage.htm
Friday, December 17, 2010
GOD MY HUSBAND
“’In that day,’ declares the LORD, ‘you will call me my husband; you will no longer call me my master.’”
Hosea 2:16
I know what you’re thinking. Why is he starting out a devotional calling God his husband? I assure you that there is a reason, and I hope to do well to explain this to you today. It is also my goal that you will see the LORD in the same light. However, in order for this thought to make sense, we first must travel back in time and culture.
The Biblical Hebrew gives two words for ‘husband’. The word ‘ISH’ is used most commonly, and describes the connection with his wife, ‘ISHA’, where the two are on the same level. A great illustration of this is seen in God’s words to Adam in Genesis 2:24. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” The ISH respects and views his ISHA as himself, and together they are one flesh. But the second term used is BA’ALIY, which shows the husband as the master and the wife as his servant. Perhaps it is for this reason that Paul wrote Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Let us contemplate just for a moment this thought. Christ loves the church, and gave Himself up for her. Christ came as a servant, not as a master. He came as the ISH, and not the BA’ALIY. It is His love for us through the giving of Himself, both in His serving and in the giving of His life that makes us want to love Him back by the giving of our lives. Is it not true that we love Him because He first loved us (I Jn 4:19)? God never came as the forceful tyrant demanding our love, but rather came as the servant to win our love. I am reminded of Ted Dekker’s Circle series, where the main character of Thomas Hunter wins the love of his bride not by forcing her to love, but by the constant wooing of her in every action done. As I read these books, my eyes were opened to the many ways in which God has wooed me, and allowed me to come to a love for Him as my ISH.
If we look back to the book of Hosea, we see that God had asked Hosea to take a bride who was less than honorable. Gomer, his wife, was a harlot. Coming from the streets where she made her living, she did not view men as ISH but as BA’ALIY. Therefore, as she served Hosea, her love for him was not built on the one flesh idea that God had in mind. After time, she returned to her ways on the street. But God gave a hope to Hosea, and spoke of a day when she would be his wife again, but this time his ISHA. In Hosea 3, God speaks to the prophet to go and buy his wife back. Even though Gomer was his wife and he had the right to lord over her as the BA’ALIY, he went back to her and paid a price in love for her. Although nothing more is written concerning Gomer, I am pretty sure that God’s words came true. In that day she began to call him ‘husband’ and no longer called him master.’
So now this brings us full circle to ourselves. First I speak to the men. Does your wife see you as her ISH or BA’ALIY? Are you one with her, or are you her master? Secondly, I ask the women, how do you see your husband? Does he love you in the same respects as you love him, or are you treated like a genie in a bottle, expected to grant his every desire? And thirdly, I ask us all, is God our ISH or BA’ALIY? My first thought of this as I was researching was in how I pray. Do I come to God with a list of demands and expectations in prayer that He must deliver upon for me to feel His love? Honestly, there are times I do. As humbling as this is to write, I do not always see God as my ISH. But I do not think it was a coincidence that I found this truth in my study. As one who has hopes to marry again and not repeat the same mistakes I’ve made in the past, this truth plays an important role. I must see God as my husband and not my master, just as I must be seen by my wife as her husband and not her master. When it is all lined up between God and us first, then every other part that needs to be aligned will follow. Is God your husband?
“’In that day,’ declares the LORD, ‘you will call me my husband; you will no longer call me my master.’”
Hosea 2:16
I know what you’re thinking. Why is he starting out a devotional calling God his husband? I assure you that there is a reason, and I hope to do well to explain this to you today. It is also my goal that you will see the LORD in the same light. However, in order for this thought to make sense, we first must travel back in time and culture.
The Biblical Hebrew gives two words for ‘husband’. The word ‘ISH’ is used most commonly, and describes the connection with his wife, ‘ISHA’, where the two are on the same level. A great illustration of this is seen in God’s words to Adam in Genesis 2:24. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” The ISH respects and views his ISHA as himself, and together they are one flesh. But the second term used is BA’ALIY, which shows the husband as the master and the wife as his servant. Perhaps it is for this reason that Paul wrote Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Let us contemplate just for a moment this thought. Christ loves the church, and gave Himself up for her. Christ came as a servant, not as a master. He came as the ISH, and not the BA’ALIY. It is His love for us through the giving of Himself, both in His serving and in the giving of His life that makes us want to love Him back by the giving of our lives. Is it not true that we love Him because He first loved us (I Jn 4:19)? God never came as the forceful tyrant demanding our love, but rather came as the servant to win our love. I am reminded of Ted Dekker’s Circle series, where the main character of Thomas Hunter wins the love of his bride not by forcing her to love, but by the constant wooing of her in every action done. As I read these books, my eyes were opened to the many ways in which God has wooed me, and allowed me to come to a love for Him as my ISH.
If we look back to the book of Hosea, we see that God had asked Hosea to take a bride who was less than honorable. Gomer, his wife, was a harlot. Coming from the streets where she made her living, she did not view men as ISH but as BA’ALIY. Therefore, as she served Hosea, her love for him was not built on the one flesh idea that God had in mind. After time, she returned to her ways on the street. But God gave a hope to Hosea, and spoke of a day when she would be his wife again, but this time his ISHA. In Hosea 3, God speaks to the prophet to go and buy his wife back. Even though Gomer was his wife and he had the right to lord over her as the BA’ALIY, he went back to her and paid a price in love for her. Although nothing more is written concerning Gomer, I am pretty sure that God’s words came true. In that day she began to call him ‘husband’ and no longer called him master.’
So now this brings us full circle to ourselves. First I speak to the men. Does your wife see you as her ISH or BA’ALIY? Are you one with her, or are you her master? Secondly, I ask the women, how do you see your husband? Does he love you in the same respects as you love him, or are you treated like a genie in a bottle, expected to grant his every desire? And thirdly, I ask us all, is God our ISH or BA’ALIY? My first thought of this as I was researching was in how I pray. Do I come to God with a list of demands and expectations in prayer that He must deliver upon for me to feel His love? Honestly, there are times I do. As humbling as this is to write, I do not always see God as my ISH. But I do not think it was a coincidence that I found this truth in my study. As one who has hopes to marry again and not repeat the same mistakes I’ve made in the past, this truth plays an important role. I must see God as my husband and not my master, just as I must be seen by my wife as her husband and not her master. When it is all lined up between God and us first, then every other part that needs to be aligned will follow. Is God your husband?
Thursday, December 16, 2010
NO LOOKING BACK
“But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.”
Genesis 19:26
The first family dog that I can remember growing up was Tandy. Tandy was a golden retriever mix that had been a birthday gift for my dad. She came from the shelter as a cute little furry puppy and instantly found a place in the family. Outside of the memories of playing together in the backyard, I also remember that she would jump up on and over the fence. Now please understand that our backyard fence was about four feet tall, so it was easy for her to escape. This in fact is what she would do many nights. In the morning we would wake up to knocked over trash cans in the area of where she had ventured off to during the night. It was only a matter of time before neighbors began to complain.
A decision had been made by my parents that rather than building a taller fence, we would look to find a new home for Tandy. Now, just a few years later, we were headed back to the shelter to offer her up for adoption once again. I was saddened. Of course I understood as best I could as a youngster, but it still took a toll on me. With Tandy bathed and ready to go, I got in the car with my mom and we took the long tearful drive. When we arrived at the shelter, I walked with her back to the boarding area for one last hug. The lady assisting assured me that she would be in good hands and that a new owner would be found soon. But as I got back on my feet, and headed to the door, I turned to take one more look. I did not want to let her go.
I share this emotional memory with you not to make you cry, but rather to bring up a point. There are times when looking back to say goodbye is fine, as in the case with Tandy or when saying goodbye to loved ones. But then there are also times when we look back not to say goodbye, per se, but rather because we do not want that season to be done. Let me explain.
In Genesis 19, two angels of the LORD arrive at Sodom with the charge of evacuating Lot and his family before the upcoming destruction. But of the sin that harvested within Sodom and Gomorrah, God made the decision to rain burning sulfur on the cities. Because of Abraham’s plea, Lot and his family were to be spared. Lot gathered his wife, daughters, and attempted to gather the daughters’ pledged men, but the men thought it was only a joke. With time short, Lot then left with only his wife and girls. They quickly set out for the small city of Zoar as God’s fury began to fall.
Only one major demand was made of Lot and his family. “Don’t look back.” It sounded easy and able to be accomplished, yet unfortunately it was not obeyed. As we read in verse 26, Lot’s wife looked back. For her punishment, she became a pillar of salt. It is hard to say why she looked back. Theologians have different answers. Maybe she looked back because she remembered something at home. Perhaps she looked back to see if others had realized it was not a joke and were now following. But for now, let us say that she looked back because she did not want to give up the sin of the city. We know little about Lot’s wife, but I am concerned that if Lot was so quick to offer his daughters to the perverted people (Gen 19:8), could he have also at one time offered his wife? Or could it be that although maybe not a member in that lifestyle, she was still curious as to what she may be missing? I cannot answer that.
What I can answer for is for myself. How many times has God told me to flee from a sinful place to a place of safety? How many times have I come before God to say I am sorry for my sin, only to be involved in it again within a few days? I am no better than Lot’s wife. I should a pillar of salt as well. Look with me at the words of Matthew Henry concerning this verse and the command to not look back.
“Such commands as these are given to those who, through grace, are delivered out of a sinful state and condition. Return not to sin and Satan. Rest not in self and the world. Reach toward Christ and heaven, for that is escaping to the mountain, short of which we must not stop.”
I ask myself, where is it I have stopped? Have I ran to the hills and away from the danger as God has commanded me? Or have I started out toward the hills, but then decided to look back because I did not want to truly let go? We have read it before, “The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23). Lot’s wife learned this first hand. Let us not learn the same way. Let us not look back in longing for our sin, but rather embrace the eternal life that God offers to a sinner, saved from destruction, and moving forward.
“But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.”
Genesis 19:26
The first family dog that I can remember growing up was Tandy. Tandy was a golden retriever mix that had been a birthday gift for my dad. She came from the shelter as a cute little furry puppy and instantly found a place in the family. Outside of the memories of playing together in the backyard, I also remember that she would jump up on and over the fence. Now please understand that our backyard fence was about four feet tall, so it was easy for her to escape. This in fact is what she would do many nights. In the morning we would wake up to knocked over trash cans in the area of where she had ventured off to during the night. It was only a matter of time before neighbors began to complain.
A decision had been made by my parents that rather than building a taller fence, we would look to find a new home for Tandy. Now, just a few years later, we were headed back to the shelter to offer her up for adoption once again. I was saddened. Of course I understood as best I could as a youngster, but it still took a toll on me. With Tandy bathed and ready to go, I got in the car with my mom and we took the long tearful drive. When we arrived at the shelter, I walked with her back to the boarding area for one last hug. The lady assisting assured me that she would be in good hands and that a new owner would be found soon. But as I got back on my feet, and headed to the door, I turned to take one more look. I did not want to let her go.
I share this emotional memory with you not to make you cry, but rather to bring up a point. There are times when looking back to say goodbye is fine, as in the case with Tandy or when saying goodbye to loved ones. But then there are also times when we look back not to say goodbye, per se, but rather because we do not want that season to be done. Let me explain.
In Genesis 19, two angels of the LORD arrive at Sodom with the charge of evacuating Lot and his family before the upcoming destruction. But of the sin that harvested within Sodom and Gomorrah, God made the decision to rain burning sulfur on the cities. Because of Abraham’s plea, Lot and his family were to be spared. Lot gathered his wife, daughters, and attempted to gather the daughters’ pledged men, but the men thought it was only a joke. With time short, Lot then left with only his wife and girls. They quickly set out for the small city of Zoar as God’s fury began to fall.
Only one major demand was made of Lot and his family. “Don’t look back.” It sounded easy and able to be accomplished, yet unfortunately it was not obeyed. As we read in verse 26, Lot’s wife looked back. For her punishment, she became a pillar of salt. It is hard to say why she looked back. Theologians have different answers. Maybe she looked back because she remembered something at home. Perhaps she looked back to see if others had realized it was not a joke and were now following. But for now, let us say that she looked back because she did not want to give up the sin of the city. We know little about Lot’s wife, but I am concerned that if Lot was so quick to offer his daughters to the perverted people (Gen 19:8), could he have also at one time offered his wife? Or could it be that although maybe not a member in that lifestyle, she was still curious as to what she may be missing? I cannot answer that.
What I can answer for is for myself. How many times has God told me to flee from a sinful place to a place of safety? How many times have I come before God to say I am sorry for my sin, only to be involved in it again within a few days? I am no better than Lot’s wife. I should a pillar of salt as well. Look with me at the words of Matthew Henry concerning this verse and the command to not look back.
“Such commands as these are given to those who, through grace, are delivered out of a sinful state and condition. Return not to sin and Satan. Rest not in self and the world. Reach toward Christ and heaven, for that is escaping to the mountain, short of which we must not stop.”
I ask myself, where is it I have stopped? Have I ran to the hills and away from the danger as God has commanded me? Or have I started out toward the hills, but then decided to look back because I did not want to truly let go? We have read it before, “The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23). Lot’s wife learned this first hand. Let us not learn the same way. Let us not look back in longing for our sin, but rather embrace the eternal life that God offers to a sinner, saved from destruction, and moving forward.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
A GREAT MIRACLE HAS HAPPENED
“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”
Psalm 77:11
The final day of Chanukah is here; tonight we light the eighth candle. The story of Chanukah has now been told, and you and I are now able to see the significance of this holiday. Hopefully I have been able to explain the history of this holiday to you, as well as the deeper meanings behind the miracles that took place. There is one more piece of Chanukah, however, that deserves some attention before we end our lesson together.
When shopping in Target on Black Friday, I noticed just the slightest end cap section of blue and silver decorations. There, hanging on the hooks and stacked within the shelves, were dreidels, gelt, miniature menorahs, and boxes of candles. We have already discussed the reason and importance of the menorah and candles, but what is the significance of the dreidel and gelt?
As I sit here now and watch my dreidel spin, I cannot help but become excited. What Hebrew character will it land on? Will it be נ (nun), and I will receive nothing? Or will it be ג (gimel), and I will be able to inherit the entire fortune? It could land on ה (hey), where I will have to be content with half the fortune. Or at worst, I could have to place another piece of gelt back into the pot if I land on ש (shin). In any case, the excitement continues to grow as now the dreidel begins to run out of speed and comes to an end. For me, the end result is נ. I receive no extra chocolate on this spin.
It is said that this Jewish tradition came about during the time the Syrians began to oppress the Jews. As the Torah and its study were banned, secret groups of children and scholars would make their way into the forest. A sentry would be posted to keep look out for any opposing soldiers while the lessons were given. At any time encroachment was feared, the sentry would alert the hidden party. By the time the Syrians approached the undercover school, the books would have disappeared and the children would be found playing with their dreidels.
The dreidels at that time did not have the Hebrew characters on them. That came about after the Maccabees had defeated the Syrians and the temple was restored. But the dreidel has become more than just a game, it has become a remembrance. In the letters of נ ג ה ש we are told a story of God’s wonders. The characters are the first characters of the words Nes Gadol Hayah Sham – A Great Miracle Happened There. The miracle of Chanukah is two-fold. That God could use such a small group of unswerving men to defeat a vast army is a miracle. The fact that one day’s worth of oil could last for eight days is a miracle. All through history, with each attempt made to wipe out the Jewish race, God has brought His protection for His people, and that too is a miracle.
As I sit here spinning my dreidel once more, I am growing anxious once again. What Hebrew character will it land on? My dreidel loses speed and falls flat on the table. I see the ג. I have won it all. But I have won something grander than all the chocolate gelt. I have won the same gift that Joseph brought to his brothers while he reigned second in command in Egypt. I have gained the same gift that Esther brought to her people after approaching the king. I have inherited the same gift that the prophets so boldly declared, even with death starring them in the face. I have obtained the miracle of life and I have won the miracles of God in my own life. Nes Gadol Hayah Sham.
“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”
Psalm 77:11
The final day of Chanukah is here; tonight we light the eighth candle. The story of Chanukah has now been told, and you and I are now able to see the significance of this holiday. Hopefully I have been able to explain the history of this holiday to you, as well as the deeper meanings behind the miracles that took place. There is one more piece of Chanukah, however, that deserves some attention before we end our lesson together.
When shopping in Target on Black Friday, I noticed just the slightest end cap section of blue and silver decorations. There, hanging on the hooks and stacked within the shelves, were dreidels, gelt, miniature menorahs, and boxes of candles. We have already discussed the reason and importance of the menorah and candles, but what is the significance of the dreidel and gelt?
As I sit here now and watch my dreidel spin, I cannot help but become excited. What Hebrew character will it land on? Will it be נ (nun), and I will receive nothing? Or will it be ג (gimel), and I will be able to inherit the entire fortune? It could land on ה (hey), where I will have to be content with half the fortune. Or at worst, I could have to place another piece of gelt back into the pot if I land on ש (shin). In any case, the excitement continues to grow as now the dreidel begins to run out of speed and comes to an end. For me, the end result is נ. I receive no extra chocolate on this spin.
It is said that this Jewish tradition came about during the time the Syrians began to oppress the Jews. As the Torah and its study were banned, secret groups of children and scholars would make their way into the forest. A sentry would be posted to keep look out for any opposing soldiers while the lessons were given. At any time encroachment was feared, the sentry would alert the hidden party. By the time the Syrians approached the undercover school, the books would have disappeared and the children would be found playing with their dreidels.
The dreidels at that time did not have the Hebrew characters on them. That came about after the Maccabees had defeated the Syrians and the temple was restored. But the dreidel has become more than just a game, it has become a remembrance. In the letters of נ ג ה ש we are told a story of God’s wonders. The characters are the first characters of the words Nes Gadol Hayah Sham – A Great Miracle Happened There. The miracle of Chanukah is two-fold. That God could use such a small group of unswerving men to defeat a vast army is a miracle. The fact that one day’s worth of oil could last for eight days is a miracle. All through history, with each attempt made to wipe out the Jewish race, God has brought His protection for His people, and that too is a miracle.
As I sit here spinning my dreidel once more, I am growing anxious once again. What Hebrew character will it land on? My dreidel loses speed and falls flat on the table. I see the ג. I have won it all. But I have won something grander than all the chocolate gelt. I have won the same gift that Joseph brought to his brothers while he reigned second in command in Egypt. I have gained the same gift that Esther brought to her people after approaching the king. I have inherited the same gift that the prophets so boldly declared, even with death starring them in the face. I have obtained the miracle of life and I have won the miracles of God in my own life. Nes Gadol Hayah Sham.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
ON DAY 2300...
“He said to me, ‘It will take 2300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconstructed.’”
Daniel 8:14
Because of the uprising of the Maccabees who had had enough, Syria retreated. The enemy who had been prophesied to come by Daniel, had also been prophesied as being firmly stood against. With God on their side, the army of a few hundred defeated the army of thousands. So then, with the Temple recaptured, the clean up and rebuilding process was under way.
The people of Israel began replacing the stone Altar of Burnt Offering with stones which had not been defiled by the pagan practices of the Syrians. In addition to the Altar of Burnt Offerings, the Incense Altar was reconstructed. The Incense Altar had been stripped of its gold plating during the years in which the Syrians defiled it. This altar was to have been continually burning as a symbol of the prayers and intercession being lifted to God by His people. The table for Showbread, representing God’s providence, was also rebuilt. Set up once again with twelve loaves of bread to symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel, the people once again were able to see God as their provider and their Bread of Life. Complete with a renewed interior of the Temple, consecrated courts, and holy vessels, they decorated the Temple with golden crowns and ornamental shields. Perhaps the main portion of the Chanukah story that many are familiar with, however, is the repair made to the Menorah, and the fact that it blazed on with such little oil.
Once the Temple was restored and rededicated, an eight days festival was established. But let us go back again to the time of Daniel and find another piece to our puzzle.
“Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, ‘How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled – the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, and the surrender of the sanctuary and of the host that will be trampled underfoot?’ He said to me, ‘It will take 2300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconstructed.’”
Daniel 8:13-14
As we have already seen, the daily sacrifice ordained by God of sheep, goats, pigeons and other animals termed as ‘clean’ was overridden by Antiochus Epiphanes. It was he who declared that only pigs were to be sacrificed on the altar, therefore causing the abomination that causes desolation. However, as we have also already seen, the Syrians were trampled underfoot by the hammering actions of God and the Maccabees. From start to finish, from the first date in which Antiochus Epiphanes began to persecute the Jewish people in 171 BC, until the date the temple was restored in 165 BC, was a total of 6 years and 3.5 months. This length totals 2300 evenings and mornings from desecration to dedication.
In every piece of the Chanukah story we can learn a lesson. What God has been placing on my heart today as I have been writing is simply this - God will always keep His word. To the prophet Daniel he spoke the words of what were to come. These words came true. The Syrians did come and did attack the Jews. Jewish Law was threatened by Greek thought. However, the Jews fought back and 2300 days later, the temple was rededicated. So this causes me to think about what has been spoken by God over me. If God kept His word back in 165 BC, then will He not keep His word now? What is it that God has spoken to you? Hold on to it; hold on to the promise. Dedicate yourself again to Him. For who knows, today may be your day number 2300.
“He said to me, ‘It will take 2300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconstructed.’”
Daniel 8:14
Because of the uprising of the Maccabees who had had enough, Syria retreated. The enemy who had been prophesied to come by Daniel, had also been prophesied as being firmly stood against. With God on their side, the army of a few hundred defeated the army of thousands. So then, with the Temple recaptured, the clean up and rebuilding process was under way.
The people of Israel began replacing the stone Altar of Burnt Offering with stones which had not been defiled by the pagan practices of the Syrians. In addition to the Altar of Burnt Offerings, the Incense Altar was reconstructed. The Incense Altar had been stripped of its gold plating during the years in which the Syrians defiled it. This altar was to have been continually burning as a symbol of the prayers and intercession being lifted to God by His people. The table for Showbread, representing God’s providence, was also rebuilt. Set up once again with twelve loaves of bread to symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel, the people once again were able to see God as their provider and their Bread of Life. Complete with a renewed interior of the Temple, consecrated courts, and holy vessels, they decorated the Temple with golden crowns and ornamental shields. Perhaps the main portion of the Chanukah story that many are familiar with, however, is the repair made to the Menorah, and the fact that it blazed on with such little oil.
Once the Temple was restored and rededicated, an eight days festival was established. But let us go back again to the time of Daniel and find another piece to our puzzle.
“Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, ‘How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled – the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, and the surrender of the sanctuary and of the host that will be trampled underfoot?’ He said to me, ‘It will take 2300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconstructed.’”
Daniel 8:13-14
As we have already seen, the daily sacrifice ordained by God of sheep, goats, pigeons and other animals termed as ‘clean’ was overridden by Antiochus Epiphanes. It was he who declared that only pigs were to be sacrificed on the altar, therefore causing the abomination that causes desolation. However, as we have also already seen, the Syrians were trampled underfoot by the hammering actions of God and the Maccabees. From start to finish, from the first date in which Antiochus Epiphanes began to persecute the Jewish people in 171 BC, until the date the temple was restored in 165 BC, was a total of 6 years and 3.5 months. This length totals 2300 evenings and mornings from desecration to dedication.
In every piece of the Chanukah story we can learn a lesson. What God has been placing on my heart today as I have been writing is simply this - God will always keep His word. To the prophet Daniel he spoke the words of what were to come. These words came true. The Syrians did come and did attack the Jews. Jewish Law was threatened by Greek thought. However, the Jews fought back and 2300 days later, the temple was rededicated. So this causes me to think about what has been spoken by God over me. If God kept His word back in 165 BC, then will He not keep His word now? What is it that God has spoken to you? Hold on to it; hold on to the promise. Dedicate yourself again to Him. For who knows, today may be your day number 2300.
Monday, December 6, 2010
HAMMER TIME
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”
Matthew 11:12
History shows that a revolution starts when someone crosses the line. For Mattatias and his sons, they were the revolution starters. When Syria invaded the Jewish communities and told them what they could and could not do, it was the Maccabees who stood up and declared ENOUGH! Starting internally by first killing a Jew who complied with Syria, the Maccabees then went after the Syrians themselves. The revolution was under way, and only those who did not renounce the Jewish ways were safe.
Following the death of Mattatias, Judah, his son, rose up and assembled an army to fight against their oppressors. His army was a band of men whose trades consisted of farmers, servants, and common people. This motley crew of men was willing to join Judah and stand up for what they knew was right. They were outnumbered and undersupplied, yet they had one thing that the Syrian army did not. They had God on their side. God plus one is greater than any army of thousands with no God. For with God all things are possible. They marched with the banner “Mi Kamocha B’alim Adonai,” which translates to “Who among the mighty is like you, O God.”
The term ‘Maccabee’ is translated as hammer. How fitting this name as the Maccabees would wait in the hills for their enemy to walk by and then pounce. The wrath they poured out on the Syrians was as the pounding of many nails being driven down by a single hammer. They fought hard in battle, and even though outnumbered 300 to 40,000, God granted victory to the Maccabees. As they stood for God, God in turn stood for them. On the 25th day of Kislev, three years after they had finally had enough, they drove out the Syrians and recaptured the Temple of God. As Daniel had prophesied, “…the people who know their God will firmly resist him” (Dan 11:32).
I ask you today, do you firmly know God? When your enemy comes in and tells you what you can and cannot do, do you sit by and obey or do you, like the Maccabees, get fed up and fight back? It was Jesus who spoke the words, “the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” Are you one if those ‘forceful men’ who strap of the armor of God and march out onto the battle field ready to drive a few nails in the ground? Are you a hammer? I want to leave you with one final re-iterated thought. God plus you is already the advantage over any army. When you have decided that enough is enough, and you are ready to take back what the devil has stolen from you, then join forces with God and see the victory. Wave the banner, and let your motto also be Mi Kamocha B’alim Adonai.
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”
Matthew 11:12
History shows that a revolution starts when someone crosses the line. For Mattatias and his sons, they were the revolution starters. When Syria invaded the Jewish communities and told them what they could and could not do, it was the Maccabees who stood up and declared ENOUGH! Starting internally by first killing a Jew who complied with Syria, the Maccabees then went after the Syrians themselves. The revolution was under way, and only those who did not renounce the Jewish ways were safe.
Following the death of Mattatias, Judah, his son, rose up and assembled an army to fight against their oppressors. His army was a band of men whose trades consisted of farmers, servants, and common people. This motley crew of men was willing to join Judah and stand up for what they knew was right. They were outnumbered and undersupplied, yet they had one thing that the Syrian army did not. They had God on their side. God plus one is greater than any army of thousands with no God. For with God all things are possible. They marched with the banner “Mi Kamocha B’alim Adonai,” which translates to “Who among the mighty is like you, O God.”
The term ‘Maccabee’ is translated as hammer. How fitting this name as the Maccabees would wait in the hills for their enemy to walk by and then pounce. The wrath they poured out on the Syrians was as the pounding of many nails being driven down by a single hammer. They fought hard in battle, and even though outnumbered 300 to 40,000, God granted victory to the Maccabees. As they stood for God, God in turn stood for them. On the 25th day of Kislev, three years after they had finally had enough, they drove out the Syrians and recaptured the Temple of God. As Daniel had prophesied, “…the people who know their God will firmly resist him” (Dan 11:32).
I ask you today, do you firmly know God? When your enemy comes in and tells you what you can and cannot do, do you sit by and obey or do you, like the Maccabees, get fed up and fight back? It was Jesus who spoke the words, “the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” Are you one if those ‘forceful men’ who strap of the armor of God and march out onto the battle field ready to drive a few nails in the ground? Are you a hammer? I want to leave you with one final re-iterated thought. God plus you is already the advantage over any army. When you have decided that enough is enough, and you are ready to take back what the devil has stolen from you, then join forces with God and see the victory. Wave the banner, and let your motto also be Mi Kamocha B’alim Adonai.
HAMMER TIME
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”
Matthew 11:12
History shows that a revolution starts when someone crosses the line. For Mattatias and his sons, they were the revolution starters. When Syria invaded the Jewish communities and told them what they could and could not do, it was the Maccabees who stood up and declared ENOUGH! Starting internally by first killing a Jew who complied with Syria, the Maccabees then went after the Syrians themselves. The revolution was under way, and only those who did not renounce the Jewish ways were safe.
Following the death of Mattatias, Judah, his son, rose up and assembled an army to fight against their oppressors. His army was a band of men whose trades consisted of farmers, servants, and common people. This motley crew of men was willing to join Judah and stand up for what they knew was right. They were outnumbered and undersupplied, yet they had one thing that the Syrian army did not. They had God on their side. God plus one is greater than any army of thousands with no God. For with God all things are possible. They marched with the banner “Mi Kamocha B’alim Adonai,” which translates to “Who among the mighty is like you, O God.”
The term ‘Maccabee’ is translated as hammer. How fitting this name as the Maccabees would wait in the hills for their enemy to walk by and then pounce. The wrath they poured out on the Syrians was as the pounding of many nails being driven down by a single hammer. They fought hard in battle, and even though outnumbered 300 to 40,000, God granted victory to the Maccabees. As they stood for God, God in turn stood for them. On the 25th day of Kislev, three years after they had finally had enough, they drove out the Syrians and recaptured the Temple of God. As Daniel had prophesied, “…the people who know their God will firmly resist him” (Dan 11:32).
I ask you today, do you firmly know God? When your enemy comes in and tells you what you can and cannot do, do you sit by and obey or do you, like the Maccabees, get fed up and fight back? It was Jesus who spoke the words, “the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” Are you one if those ‘forceful men’ who strap of the armor of God and march out onto the battle field ready to drive a few nails in the ground? Are you a hammer? I want to leave you with one final re-iterated thought. God plus you is already the advantage over any army. When you have decided that enough is enough, and you are ready to take back what the devil has stolen from you, then join forces with God and see the victory. Wave the banner, and let your motto also be Mi Kamocha B’alim Adonai.
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”
Matthew 11:12
History shows that a revolution starts when someone crosses the line. For Mattatias and his sons, they were the revolution starters. When Syria invaded the Jewish communities and told them what they could and could not do, it was the Maccabees who stood up and declared ENOUGH! Starting internally by first killing a Jew who complied with Syria, the Maccabees then went after the Syrians themselves. The revolution was under way, and only those who did not renounce the Jewish ways were safe.
Following the death of Mattatias, Judah, his son, rose up and assembled an army to fight against their oppressors. His army was a band of men whose trades consisted of farmers, servants, and common people. This motley crew of men was willing to join Judah and stand up for what they knew was right. They were outnumbered and undersupplied, yet they had one thing that the Syrian army did not. They had God on their side. God plus one is greater than any army of thousands with no God. For with God all things are possible. They marched with the banner “Mi Kamocha B’alim Adonai,” which translates to “Who among the mighty is like you, O God.”
The term ‘Maccabee’ is translated as hammer. How fitting this name as the Maccabees would wait in the hills for their enemy to walk by and then pounce. The wrath they poured out on the Syrians was as the pounding of many nails being driven down by a single hammer. They fought hard in battle, and even though outnumbered 300 to 40,000, God granted victory to the Maccabees. As they stood for God, God in turn stood for them. On the 25th day of Kislev, three years after they had finally had enough, they drove out the Syrians and recaptured the Temple of God. As Daniel had prophesied, “…the people who know their God will firmly resist him” (Dan 11:32).
I ask you today, do you firmly know God? When your enemy comes in and tells you what you can and cannot do, do you sit by and obey or do you, like the Maccabees, get fed up and fight back? It was Jesus who spoke the words, “the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” Are you one if those ‘forceful men’ who strap of the armor of God and march out onto the battle field ready to drive a few nails in the ground? Are you a hammer? I want to leave you with one final re-iterated thought. God plus you is already the advantage over any army. When you have decided that enough is enough, and you are ready to take back what the devil has stolen from you, then join forces with God and see the victory. Wave the banner, and let your motto also be Mi Kamocha B’alim Adonai.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
ENOUGH!
“With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.”
Daniel 11:32
Over the past four days I have shared with you the miracle of the candles and the dedication of those who chose not to give into the king of Syria. Today I want to reiterate a point made in my first writing. Chanukah is not just for the Jewish people, but for all Christians. For the Christian, this season has true importance. Before the Maccabees, before the king of Syria, and before even Alexander the Great, Daniel prophesied the historic events of Chanukah.
The king of Syria, Antiochus Epiphanes, is recorded to have summoned the powers and courage needed to attack the king of Egypt for a second time. Victory was found the first encounter, and so victory was assumed in a second attempt as well. In this attack, however, he was defeated. His frustrations festered and he looked for a way to vent himself. The venting was acted out upon the Jewish people. It was at this time that the Syrian army began burning down the houses of the Jews, breaking down the city walls, killing many and placing others into slavery, and destroying anyone who would not forsake the Jewish customs and convert to the Greek way of life. Perhaps the best understanding we can have of this situation is found during the reign of Hitler. Both the king of Syria and Hitler shared one common goal, the denationalization of the Jewish people. Daniel recorded these events long before they ever happened.
“At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time the outcome will be different from what it was before. Ships of the western coastlands will oppose him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and vent his fury against the holy covenant. He will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant. His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.”
Daniel 11:29-32
Daniel warned of a king who would invade the South again, which is Egypt. This second time, however, he found the defeat that was recorded in the Scriptures. As prophesied, the king of Syria came to the Jewish people, those of the holy covenant, to vent his fury. For those who accepted the Greek lifestyles and left behind their Jewish customs, favor was found. For those who resisted, however, death was found.
But what about the abomination that causes desolation? As a Bible student in college, I can honestly say that I had been asked many times what this was. It is only by God’s wisdom and His leading me in this study of Chanukah that I can finally answer this question years later. Going back to our study from yesterday, the king had order a pig be sacrificed in the Temple, its blood be smeared on the walls, and its broth poured on the holy Torah scrolls and stone altar. This act led to a decree that only pigs be sacrificed in the Temple. This act is the abomination that causes desolation. The sacrifice of an unclean animal upon the altar of God was the single act that made the Temple itself unclean.
As the Syrians went throughout the Jewish cities setting up their idols and altars to false gods, they landed upon the town of Modin. It was in Modin that they found Mattatias, the head of a family of priests. As the decree had gone out to sacrifice only pigs on the altar, Mattatias was ordered by the Syrians to follow suit. However, Mattatias, like the rabbi who would not pretend to eat pork, would not forsake his faith. The line had been drawn, and just as Daniel had written, the people who knew their God began to firmly resist the king of Syria. Mattatias and his sons, known as the Maccabees, rose up and declared, “ENOUGH!” The time had come to take back for God what the enemy had stolen.
Isn’t it time for you and I also to take back what the enemy has stolen? How much longer will we sit by and let the enemy drag our souls and our beliefs to hell? How much longer will we tolerate the pressures of change and give in so that we can stay alive one more day? This is the season of miracles, but maybe the biggest miracle to happen for you in this season is in the word ‘enough’. It is time to arise and hear the words spoken by God to Joshua. “’Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you’” (Gen 31:23). Christians arise, it is time the enemy hear our battle cry. ENOUGH!
“With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.”
Daniel 11:32
Over the past four days I have shared with you the miracle of the candles and the dedication of those who chose not to give into the king of Syria. Today I want to reiterate a point made in my first writing. Chanukah is not just for the Jewish people, but for all Christians. For the Christian, this season has true importance. Before the Maccabees, before the king of Syria, and before even Alexander the Great, Daniel prophesied the historic events of Chanukah.
The king of Syria, Antiochus Epiphanes, is recorded to have summoned the powers and courage needed to attack the king of Egypt for a second time. Victory was found the first encounter, and so victory was assumed in a second attempt as well. In this attack, however, he was defeated. His frustrations festered and he looked for a way to vent himself. The venting was acted out upon the Jewish people. It was at this time that the Syrian army began burning down the houses of the Jews, breaking down the city walls, killing many and placing others into slavery, and destroying anyone who would not forsake the Jewish customs and convert to the Greek way of life. Perhaps the best understanding we can have of this situation is found during the reign of Hitler. Both the king of Syria and Hitler shared one common goal, the denationalization of the Jewish people. Daniel recorded these events long before they ever happened.
“At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time the outcome will be different from what it was before. Ships of the western coastlands will oppose him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and vent his fury against the holy covenant. He will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant. His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.”
Daniel 11:29-32
Daniel warned of a king who would invade the South again, which is Egypt. This second time, however, he found the defeat that was recorded in the Scriptures. As prophesied, the king of Syria came to the Jewish people, those of the holy covenant, to vent his fury. For those who accepted the Greek lifestyles and left behind their Jewish customs, favor was found. For those who resisted, however, death was found.
But what about the abomination that causes desolation? As a Bible student in college, I can honestly say that I had been asked many times what this was. It is only by God’s wisdom and His leading me in this study of Chanukah that I can finally answer this question years later. Going back to our study from yesterday, the king had order a pig be sacrificed in the Temple, its blood be smeared on the walls, and its broth poured on the holy Torah scrolls and stone altar. This act led to a decree that only pigs be sacrificed in the Temple. This act is the abomination that causes desolation. The sacrifice of an unclean animal upon the altar of God was the single act that made the Temple itself unclean.
As the Syrians went throughout the Jewish cities setting up their idols and altars to false gods, they landed upon the town of Modin. It was in Modin that they found Mattatias, the head of a family of priests. As the decree had gone out to sacrifice only pigs on the altar, Mattatias was ordered by the Syrians to follow suit. However, Mattatias, like the rabbi who would not pretend to eat pork, would not forsake his faith. The line had been drawn, and just as Daniel had written, the people who knew their God began to firmly resist the king of Syria. Mattatias and his sons, known as the Maccabees, rose up and declared, “ENOUGH!” The time had come to take back for God what the enemy had stolen.
Isn’t it time for you and I also to take back what the enemy has stolen? How much longer will we sit by and let the enemy drag our souls and our beliefs to hell? How much longer will we tolerate the pressures of change and give in so that we can stay alive one more day? This is the season of miracles, but maybe the biggest miracle to happen for you in this season is in the word ‘enough’. It is time to arise and hear the words spoken by God to Joshua. “’Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you’” (Gen 31:23). Christians arise, it is time the enemy hear our battle cry. ENOUGH!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
TEMPLE BODIES
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
I Corinthians 6:19-20
The book of Leviticus is considered the most boring book within the Bible. It is in this book, however, that God gives to Moses the Laws in which the Israelites are to follow. As we read through this book, we read the details of the offerings that should be brought to the LORD, the details concerning purification after birth or illness, the punishments of broken Laws, and the outlines for the ceremonies and High Holy Days. Now while we will not find the word Chanukah anywhere in this book, we will find key scriptures that relate to our study of Chanukah today.
In reading Leviticus 11:3, we find that God gave instructions for which animals should be eaten. “You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud.” As one who has been embracing his Jewish roots more so this year, I have been more attentive to the foods I eat. Now I am not saying that I eat turkey without the cheese on a sandwich, or eat only veggie pizza, but one meat I have worked hard to stray from over the past months is pork. The problem is pork is everywhere. When I go to McDonald’s with my kids for breakfast, almost every item has either sausage or bacon in it. But the pig is not kosher. “And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you” (Lev 11:7). Recent studies have shown that even when cooking the pig into burnt bacon it does not kill all the bacteria. Pork is also thought by some to be the second leading cause in cancer. There is a reason why God told us to stay away from it.
Now my purpose in the above information is not to guilt or scare you into eating kosher, but rather to explain another significant detail of Chanukah. The Syrian army, led by Antiochus Epiphanes, invaded Jewish communities with the intent of stripping them of the Laws and cultures that made them unique. It was his law that he felt should override God’s, and the customs of circumcision, observing the Sabbath, and keeping kosher should no longer be obeyed. It was in this rampage that the temple was invaded and turned into a shine for Zeus. Knowing that a pig was not kosher, he order a pig be sacrificed in the temple, its blood be smeared on the walls, and its broth poured on the holy Torah scrolls.
Our bodies are the temple of God and should be used to bring Him glory, though. This truth was tested by one of the rabbis in the ‘silent years’ between the Old and New Testament. In the company of many Jews, they placed a feast of pork before him with the instruction to eat. The rabbi denied. It was then suggested by the Syrians to fake that he was eating the pork by placing it next to his lips for all to see. But again he denied. The rabbi chose not to forsake his faith and not to save his life from death while his people sinned in their diet. Angered, the Syrians killed him in front of all those watching.
There are two points that we can walk away with from this story. The first point, again, is the word dedication. Who are you dedicated to? The rabbi was dedicated to God. He probably knew, based on the history of what was happening to the people, that death was to be the end result if he denied the pork. Yet still he honored God by saying no. The second point is that our bodies are the temple of God. How are you honoring God with your body? I am not talking only about your physical diet, but your spiritual diet as well. Are you living spiritually kosher in choosing not to partake in the food of immorality, gossip, or deceit? And when these sins are served before you on a platter for you to feast on, are you willing to risk your life and pass? If you feel as though I am pointing a finger at you, know that I have four more pointing back at me. I will admit that I do not always pass this plate, but as I am learning to pass on pork physically, so I am challenged to pass on sin as well. Let us go forth together with the desire to take a stand against sin and say no, whatever the end result.
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
I Corinthians 6:19-20
The book of Leviticus is considered the most boring book within the Bible. It is in this book, however, that God gives to Moses the Laws in which the Israelites are to follow. As we read through this book, we read the details of the offerings that should be brought to the LORD, the details concerning purification after birth or illness, the punishments of broken Laws, and the outlines for the ceremonies and High Holy Days. Now while we will not find the word Chanukah anywhere in this book, we will find key scriptures that relate to our study of Chanukah today.
In reading Leviticus 11:3, we find that God gave instructions for which animals should be eaten. “You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud.” As one who has been embracing his Jewish roots more so this year, I have been more attentive to the foods I eat. Now I am not saying that I eat turkey without the cheese on a sandwich, or eat only veggie pizza, but one meat I have worked hard to stray from over the past months is pork. The problem is pork is everywhere. When I go to McDonald’s with my kids for breakfast, almost every item has either sausage or bacon in it. But the pig is not kosher. “And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you” (Lev 11:7). Recent studies have shown that even when cooking the pig into burnt bacon it does not kill all the bacteria. Pork is also thought by some to be the second leading cause in cancer. There is a reason why God told us to stay away from it.
Now my purpose in the above information is not to guilt or scare you into eating kosher, but rather to explain another significant detail of Chanukah. The Syrian army, led by Antiochus Epiphanes, invaded Jewish communities with the intent of stripping them of the Laws and cultures that made them unique. It was his law that he felt should override God’s, and the customs of circumcision, observing the Sabbath, and keeping kosher should no longer be obeyed. It was in this rampage that the temple was invaded and turned into a shine for Zeus. Knowing that a pig was not kosher, he order a pig be sacrificed in the temple, its blood be smeared on the walls, and its broth poured on the holy Torah scrolls.
Our bodies are the temple of God and should be used to bring Him glory, though. This truth was tested by one of the rabbis in the ‘silent years’ between the Old and New Testament. In the company of many Jews, they placed a feast of pork before him with the instruction to eat. The rabbi denied. It was then suggested by the Syrians to fake that he was eating the pork by placing it next to his lips for all to see. But again he denied. The rabbi chose not to forsake his faith and not to save his life from death while his people sinned in their diet. Angered, the Syrians killed him in front of all those watching.
There are two points that we can walk away with from this story. The first point, again, is the word dedication. Who are you dedicated to? The rabbi was dedicated to God. He probably knew, based on the history of what was happening to the people, that death was to be the end result if he denied the pork. Yet still he honored God by saying no. The second point is that our bodies are the temple of God. How are you honoring God with your body? I am not talking only about your physical diet, but your spiritual diet as well. Are you living spiritually kosher in choosing not to partake in the food of immorality, gossip, or deceit? And when these sins are served before you on a platter for you to feast on, are you willing to risk your life and pass? If you feel as though I am pointing a finger at you, know that I have four more pointing back at me. I will admit that I do not always pass this plate, but as I am learning to pass on pork physically, so I am challenged to pass on sin as well. Let us go forth together with the desire to take a stand against sin and say no, whatever the end result.
Friday, December 3, 2010
FRY-DAY
“Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning.”
Exodus 27:20
One of the greatest miracles of Chanukah was the fact that the little oil found following the rebellion was enough to last for eight days. There was only enough to last for one day, yet it lasted longer. Chanukah commemorates an oil-based miracle and as such, more of the food eaten during these eight days tends to be fried. Foods such as latkes (fried potato pancakes) or sufganiyot (deep-fried doughnuts) are just two examples of the foods eaten during Chanukah. In today’s brief devotional, I want to take a look at the significance of the oil used to light both the Temple Menorah and the Hanukkiah.
The process of making pure oil was tedious. The one making olive oil would squeeze the olive and place the oil from the olive in one of two places. Only the first drop of oil would be the drop considered for pure oil. This follows the instructions given by God that He should have the first fruits of our labor. As the olive then was continued to be squeezed, the remaining would be placed in a canister for common use.
In reality, both canisters had the same type of oil in them. The oil smelled the same and tasted the same. It would be no different than having two accounts at the bank, if we were to put it into terms we are more familiar with now days. They both have money and both are with the same banking institution. But the difference would be having one marked ‘checking’ and the other marked ‘savings’. The savings is set aside from the account of common use. There is something special about the savings. In many cases this money is put aside for emergencies or for a desire of something special in the future. So it is with these two canisters. One jug was allowed common use while the other was for something special. Both were the same in contents, but the jug of only the first drops was marked with the seal of the high priest, signifying that it was ritually pure.
The rules and regulations of the Jewish people drove the enemy crazy. Because of this, when Israel was attacked, the enemy made it a point to defile and plunder the Holy Temple. In addition to sacrificing a pig on the altar of God, they also smeared pig blood on the walls of the Temple and made sure to defile every canister of pure oil they could find. When the battle had ceased and the Maccabees had been victorious, their mission was to rebuild the Temple and re-dedicate it to God. But as we have already learned, they were short on oil. One single canister was found, still holding the seal of the high priest as pure oil, and that one canister of oil was used to light the Menorah while they began the process of making more oil, also sealed by the high priest.
As this third night of Chanukah is celebrated this evening, I want to leave you with this simple challenge. Perhaps like the temple, you have been ransacked and left for dead. Your oil of gladness has been spilled out and defiled and you question if new life can come. You wonder if you will ever be able to burn with passion again. God is able to do anything. With a small amount God did a miracle with the oil. And with the little passion you still possess for God, He can start a new flame. I encourage you to dedicate, or re-dedicate yourself once again to Him, and watch as the little you have is multiplied during this season.
“Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning.”
Exodus 27:20
One of the greatest miracles of Chanukah was the fact that the little oil found following the rebellion was enough to last for eight days. There was only enough to last for one day, yet it lasted longer. Chanukah commemorates an oil-based miracle and as such, more of the food eaten during these eight days tends to be fried. Foods such as latkes (fried potato pancakes) or sufganiyot (deep-fried doughnuts) are just two examples of the foods eaten during Chanukah. In today’s brief devotional, I want to take a look at the significance of the oil used to light both the Temple Menorah and the Hanukkiah.
The process of making pure oil was tedious. The one making olive oil would squeeze the olive and place the oil from the olive in one of two places. Only the first drop of oil would be the drop considered for pure oil. This follows the instructions given by God that He should have the first fruits of our labor. As the olive then was continued to be squeezed, the remaining would be placed in a canister for common use.
In reality, both canisters had the same type of oil in them. The oil smelled the same and tasted the same. It would be no different than having two accounts at the bank, if we were to put it into terms we are more familiar with now days. They both have money and both are with the same banking institution. But the difference would be having one marked ‘checking’ and the other marked ‘savings’. The savings is set aside from the account of common use. There is something special about the savings. In many cases this money is put aside for emergencies or for a desire of something special in the future. So it is with these two canisters. One jug was allowed common use while the other was for something special. Both were the same in contents, but the jug of only the first drops was marked with the seal of the high priest, signifying that it was ritually pure.
The rules and regulations of the Jewish people drove the enemy crazy. Because of this, when Israel was attacked, the enemy made it a point to defile and plunder the Holy Temple. In addition to sacrificing a pig on the altar of God, they also smeared pig blood on the walls of the Temple and made sure to defile every canister of pure oil they could find. When the battle had ceased and the Maccabees had been victorious, their mission was to rebuild the Temple and re-dedicate it to God. But as we have already learned, they were short on oil. One single canister was found, still holding the seal of the high priest as pure oil, and that one canister of oil was used to light the Menorah while they began the process of making more oil, also sealed by the high priest.
As this third night of Chanukah is celebrated this evening, I want to leave you with this simple challenge. Perhaps like the temple, you have been ransacked and left for dead. Your oil of gladness has been spilled out and defiled and you question if new life can come. You wonder if you will ever be able to burn with passion again. God is able to do anything. With a small amount God did a miracle with the oil. And with the little passion you still possess for God, He can start a new flame. I encourage you to dedicate, or re-dedicate yourself once again to Him, and watch as the little you have is multiplied during this season.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
A GREAT LIGHT
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
Isaiah 9:2
As I have been studying Chanukah over the past few weeks, I have been experiencing the turning on of many mental light bulbs. I have spent hours researching on the internet and pouring over any material I can get my hands on in order to be knowledgeable and to provide you with a clearer understanding. It was while I was listening to a message by Rabbi Daniel Lappin that God then opened my eyes to the numbers associated with Chanukah. I would like to share the details of what God showed me through this study.
In the Hebrew culture numbers are important. One example is when Jonah was in the fish for three days. Jesus used this example to make it clear that He would be in the grave for three days, and then be resurrected (Mt 12:40). So it is with Chanukah, that numbers are also important. In this season there are three numbers that stand out: 36, 25, and 8. I will do my best to explain these in this brief writing.
Let us begin with 36. On the Chanukah Menorah, or also called the Hanukkiah, there is a place for a total of nine candles to burn at one time. The middle candle is called the Shamash, the server candle. It is this candle that is lit first and then used to light the other candles as they are added to nightly. The candles are placed right to left, but lit by the Shamash from left to right. In Matthew 20:28 we read that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. The Shamash is a representation of Jesus as He came to serve. Isaiah also prophesied that Jesus would be the Light to the Gentiles. Again we see our Lord in this candle as it provides the light of the Light to the others. But how does this relate to the number 36? The Hebrew word for light is named in the Old Testament only 36 times. On the first night of Chanukah the Shamash is lit and one candle. On the second night, the Shamash and two candles. This progression continues until the final night when the Shamash is lit along with all eight candles. By simply adding 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8, we have a total of 36.
Let us now consider the number 25. In the Hebrew calendar, Chanukah begins on the 25th day of Kislev. Now as a lover of history, I enjoy digging in the past to find other incidents they may have happened on the same day years before. For instance, I have found that I share my birthday with Joseph’s brother Simeon, according to the Hebrew calendar (the 28th day of Tevet). I have also found that the day in which Cain killed Able was on the 25th of Kislev. In reading Genesis 4:16, following the murder of Able, Cain went out of God’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, which means wandering. In verse 17, it is recorded that Cain lay with his wife and she birthed a son named Enoch. Cain built a city for Enoch and also named it Enoch. Now this is not the same Enoch who walked with God and was no more (Gen 5:24), but the name means the same, Dedication. Cain made an amends with God and re-dedicated himself to God when his son was born. It is no coincidence then that Chanukah, meaning dedication, began years later following the dedication of Enoch.
Lastly, let us look at the number 8. This one is pretty simple to understand, as we have already seen that 8 candles plus the Shamash can be lit on the Menorah at once. But the traditional menorah only housed six additional candles, not eight. Why then is the Hanukkiah different? After the Maccabees were victorious over Syria, they went back to start the rebuilding process. As they went to light the temple Menorah they discovered that there was only enough pure oil for one day. In their act of honor to God, they decided to light the Menorah anyway. Now keep in mind that Syria had already defiled the temple as we will learn together soon, but to also light the Menorah and run out of oil was defilement. Nonetheless, they lit the Menorah while they worked to produce more pure oil. As we will learn tomorrow, this process took seven days. The Maccabees came in the following morning, fully expecting to the see the Menorah unlit, but a miracle had happened. The Menorah continued to burn. It burned a third day on the same small amount of oil they had started with. It burned a fourth, fifth, and so on. And when the pure oil had completed the process, the Menorah was still burning.
There are many miracles that took place and are now celebrated as part of Chanukah, but I want to draw us back to Isaiah 9:2. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” The miracle may be that a band of brothers few in number defeated an army of thousands. The miracle may be that God proved Himself as the God of more than enough, Jehovah Jirah, and allowed the Menorah to burn way past its true ability. The miracle may be that dedication to God came full circle. What is it that you are in need of this season? What miracle do you desire? A healing, financial help, the ability to overcome an addiction, help in loss or with a broken heart? No matter what it is, we can now see the Great Light. I leave you then with the words of Isaiah 60:1-2. "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.”
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
Isaiah 9:2
As I have been studying Chanukah over the past few weeks, I have been experiencing the turning on of many mental light bulbs. I have spent hours researching on the internet and pouring over any material I can get my hands on in order to be knowledgeable and to provide you with a clearer understanding. It was while I was listening to a message by Rabbi Daniel Lappin that God then opened my eyes to the numbers associated with Chanukah. I would like to share the details of what God showed me through this study.
In the Hebrew culture numbers are important. One example is when Jonah was in the fish for three days. Jesus used this example to make it clear that He would be in the grave for three days, and then be resurrected (Mt 12:40). So it is with Chanukah, that numbers are also important. In this season there are three numbers that stand out: 36, 25, and 8. I will do my best to explain these in this brief writing.
Let us begin with 36. On the Chanukah Menorah, or also called the Hanukkiah, there is a place for a total of nine candles to burn at one time. The middle candle is called the Shamash, the server candle. It is this candle that is lit first and then used to light the other candles as they are added to nightly. The candles are placed right to left, but lit by the Shamash from left to right. In Matthew 20:28 we read that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. The Shamash is a representation of Jesus as He came to serve. Isaiah also prophesied that Jesus would be the Light to the Gentiles. Again we see our Lord in this candle as it provides the light of the Light to the others. But how does this relate to the number 36? The Hebrew word for light is named in the Old Testament only 36 times. On the first night of Chanukah the Shamash is lit and one candle. On the second night, the Shamash and two candles. This progression continues until the final night when the Shamash is lit along with all eight candles. By simply adding 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8, we have a total of 36.
Let us now consider the number 25. In the Hebrew calendar, Chanukah begins on the 25th day of Kislev. Now as a lover of history, I enjoy digging in the past to find other incidents they may have happened on the same day years before. For instance, I have found that I share my birthday with Joseph’s brother Simeon, according to the Hebrew calendar (the 28th day of Tevet). I have also found that the day in which Cain killed Able was on the 25th of Kislev. In reading Genesis 4:16, following the murder of Able, Cain went out of God’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, which means wandering. In verse 17, it is recorded that Cain lay with his wife and she birthed a son named Enoch. Cain built a city for Enoch and also named it Enoch. Now this is not the same Enoch who walked with God and was no more (Gen 5:24), but the name means the same, Dedication. Cain made an amends with God and re-dedicated himself to God when his son was born. It is no coincidence then that Chanukah, meaning dedication, began years later following the dedication of Enoch.
Lastly, let us look at the number 8. This one is pretty simple to understand, as we have already seen that 8 candles plus the Shamash can be lit on the Menorah at once. But the traditional menorah only housed six additional candles, not eight. Why then is the Hanukkiah different? After the Maccabees were victorious over Syria, they went back to start the rebuilding process. As they went to light the temple Menorah they discovered that there was only enough pure oil for one day. In their act of honor to God, they decided to light the Menorah anyway. Now keep in mind that Syria had already defiled the temple as we will learn together soon, but to also light the Menorah and run out of oil was defilement. Nonetheless, they lit the Menorah while they worked to produce more pure oil. As we will learn tomorrow, this process took seven days. The Maccabees came in the following morning, fully expecting to the see the Menorah unlit, but a miracle had happened. The Menorah continued to burn. It burned a third day on the same small amount of oil they had started with. It burned a fourth, fifth, and so on. And when the pure oil had completed the process, the Menorah was still burning.
There are many miracles that took place and are now celebrated as part of Chanukah, but I want to draw us back to Isaiah 9:2. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” The miracle may be that a band of brothers few in number defeated an army of thousands. The miracle may be that God proved Himself as the God of more than enough, Jehovah Jirah, and allowed the Menorah to burn way past its true ability. The miracle may be that dedication to God came full circle. What is it that you are in need of this season? What miracle do you desire? A healing, financial help, the ability to overcome an addiction, help in loss or with a broken heart? No matter what it is, we can now see the Great Light. I leave you then with the words of Isaiah 60:1-2. "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.”
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
EIGHT DAYS OF LIGHTS
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
John 8:12
Tonight begins Chanukah. Over the next eight devotionals I want to take the time to share with you the history of Chanukah and how it relates to us today. For the Christian it has true importance, and I have been very excited over the past few weeks as I have been studying and preparing these writings. This is the season of miracles, and my expectation is that you will see a miracle in your own life as we venture in this study together. Please understand that I do not have all the answers concerning this holiday, but as God has been showing me what to expect in the days to come, I trust He will also make alive in you.
I first want to take a moment to break down any misunderstandings about Chanukah. Chanukah is not the Jewish version of Christmas. Based on the details we know from the Bible, Jesus would have been born closer to the High Holy season of Sukkot, which places His birth more so around September. However, the custom of decorating our homes with Christmas lights is derived from Chanukah, for it is known by some as the Festival of Lights.
Chanukah is in the Bible and was celebrated by Jesus, Himself. Look with me at John 10:22-23. “Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.” As said, Chanukah is known as the Festival of Lights. It is also known as the Feast of Dedication. If you remember from a devotional back in late October, we looked at the life of Enoch and how his name is translated in the Hebrew as CHANOWK, which means dedicated. Chanukah is derived from this root word, meaning dedication. It was during this Feast that the Jews recalled the victory of the Maccabees over their enemy, and the provision of God to allow the menorah to burn for eight days when there was only enough oil to burn for one night. This was the provision of God, and a celebration of His miracle working power.
The burning candles on the menorah is a reminder to us all, not just the Jews, of God’s provision and the victory won by the Maccabees. It is also a reminder to us, though, that we to need to be dedicated to God. For as we will later see, the Maccabees chased away the forces of darkness with their swords. They grew weary of the ways of Syria and finally declared they had had enough. So it is time for us to dedicate ourselves to God again and chase darkness in our lives away. This is represented as we chase the darkness away with the light of the candles.
But who is the light? Jesus declares in John 8:12, that He is the Light. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” We have all been there before, in a spot where we find that our strength is simply not enough to defeat the enemy. It is in those times that God shows that when we are weak, He is strong. It was this same strength from God that allowed the Maccabees, few in number, to defeat the Syrian army. As they stood for the Light of the world, the Light shown through and allowed a great victory.
Countless times throughout the Bible we read of men and women who faced disaster and hardship. Yet as we also see, those who stood up for God’s truth and justice were those who received God’s miracles. As we launch into this season, I want to encourage you to stand up for God’s truth and justice. The enemy will find ways to try to knock you down and take you out. He will work to snuff your flame and deplete you of the oil needed to burn for God. But do not lose heart. Do not stray from the ways of God. Your miracle is coming, and the Light of the world will overcome the darkness at hand. Happy Chanukah to all.
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
John 8:12
Tonight begins Chanukah. Over the next eight devotionals I want to take the time to share with you the history of Chanukah and how it relates to us today. For the Christian it has true importance, and I have been very excited over the past few weeks as I have been studying and preparing these writings. This is the season of miracles, and my expectation is that you will see a miracle in your own life as we venture in this study together. Please understand that I do not have all the answers concerning this holiday, but as God has been showing me what to expect in the days to come, I trust He will also make alive in you.
I first want to take a moment to break down any misunderstandings about Chanukah. Chanukah is not the Jewish version of Christmas. Based on the details we know from the Bible, Jesus would have been born closer to the High Holy season of Sukkot, which places His birth more so around September. However, the custom of decorating our homes with Christmas lights is derived from Chanukah, for it is known by some as the Festival of Lights.
Chanukah is in the Bible and was celebrated by Jesus, Himself. Look with me at John 10:22-23. “Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.” As said, Chanukah is known as the Festival of Lights. It is also known as the Feast of Dedication. If you remember from a devotional back in late October, we looked at the life of Enoch and how his name is translated in the Hebrew as CHANOWK, which means dedicated. Chanukah is derived from this root word, meaning dedication. It was during this Feast that the Jews recalled the victory of the Maccabees over their enemy, and the provision of God to allow the menorah to burn for eight days when there was only enough oil to burn for one night. This was the provision of God, and a celebration of His miracle working power.
The burning candles on the menorah is a reminder to us all, not just the Jews, of God’s provision and the victory won by the Maccabees. It is also a reminder to us, though, that we to need to be dedicated to God. For as we will later see, the Maccabees chased away the forces of darkness with their swords. They grew weary of the ways of Syria and finally declared they had had enough. So it is time for us to dedicate ourselves to God again and chase darkness in our lives away. This is represented as we chase the darkness away with the light of the candles.
But who is the light? Jesus declares in John 8:12, that He is the Light. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” We have all been there before, in a spot where we find that our strength is simply not enough to defeat the enemy. It is in those times that God shows that when we are weak, He is strong. It was this same strength from God that allowed the Maccabees, few in number, to defeat the Syrian army. As they stood for the Light of the world, the Light shown through and allowed a great victory.
Countless times throughout the Bible we read of men and women who faced disaster and hardship. Yet as we also see, those who stood up for God’s truth and justice were those who received God’s miracles. As we launch into this season, I want to encourage you to stand up for God’s truth and justice. The enemy will find ways to try to knock you down and take you out. He will work to snuff your flame and deplete you of the oil needed to burn for God. But do not lose heart. Do not stray from the ways of God. Your miracle is coming, and the Light of the world will overcome the darkness at hand. Happy Chanukah to all.
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