John 10:22-30 (CJB) “Then came Hanukkah in Yerushalayim. It was winter, 23 and Yeshua was walking around inside the Temple area, in Shlomo’s Colonnade. 24 So the Judeans surrounded him and said to him, “How much longer are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us publicly!” 25 Yeshua answered them, “I have already told you, and you don’t trust me. The works I do in my Father’s name testify on my behalf, 26 but the reason you don’t trust is that you are not included among my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice, I recognize them, they follow me, 28 and I give them eternal life. They will absolutely never be destroyed, and no one will snatch them from my hands. 29 My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no one can snatch them from the Father’s hands. 30 I and the Father are one.”
The month of Kislev celebrates the beginning of Hanukkah (the Feast of Dedication in the ESV and other translations). The eight-day holiday begins in Kislev and ends in Tevet. The holiday celebrates the Maccabees’ victory, the Temple’s restoration, and the miracle of the oil.
Israel has to trust in God’s protection over the land continually. Even now, Israel is in the midst of war. Yet, even during this dark time, Jews around the world are wrapping tefillin, lighting Shabbat candles, and attending services in great numbers. The miracle of Hanukkah celebrates more than a military victory; it marks the unity of the Jewish people and God’s assistance to His chosen people.
Ponder the words of Jesus from John chapter ten this month, search your heart, and make sure you know where you stand with the Lord. It’s always good to review the truths we know to ensure we walk in them.
2 Peter 1:3-15 (ESV) “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.”
When we trust in the Lord for salvation, that begins our walk with Him; as we walk with Him, we begin to add the things to our lives that Peter mentions in the text. Part of trusting God is a willingness and a desire to obey Him, to stand for Him as the Maccabees did.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
For more information on the Hebrew Calendar, visit chabad.org and consult A Time to Advance: Understanding the Significance of the Hebrew Tribes and Months by Chuck D. Pierce with Robert and Linda Heidler.
This year, Hanukkah is December 7-14, 2023. I encourage everyone to celebrate in solidarity with the Jewish community this year by purchasing a Menorah, reading the story of the Maccabees, and standing against antisemitism wherever you see it. You can purchase a Menorah and other decorations from Amazon, of course, or if you would like to support Israel during this time, you can order from Judaica Webstore and Judaica Place.
Leave a Reply