Wanderman in the Wilderness

God's word applied in the world.

A Time For Action!

This week, Jewish people around the world are celebrating Chanukah, the festival of lights. This holiday comes from events that occurred during the inter-testimental period. Around 175 BC, Antiochus Epiphanes IV, in an effort to stamp out Judaism and force Hellenization on the Jews, sacrificed a pig on the altar and destroyed the 2nd temple. In a revolt that followed, a Jewish priest, who came to be known as “the Hammer” (lit, “Maccabbee”), and his children, drove the Greeks out and restored a general period of peace and self rule in the land. When the Jews surveyed the damage to the temple, they needed oil for the reconsecration and sanctification of the holy objects. It is said that they had only 1 day of oil, but it lasted 8 nights, thus the 8 nights of the Jewish festival.

Of course, we can’t know whether the “8 night miracle” really happened or not. God did not grant us a holy, inspired word through scripture during this time. But one thing is for sure if the story is accurate: the priests looked at 1 night’s worth of oil and chose to get to work!

Think about it. They must have been incredibly discouraged. They probably considered quitting. Some might have thrown up their hands and said they didn’t have the right resources so they shouldn’t continue. Others, of course, took this as an opportunity to trust in God and “go with what they had.” God is said to have blessed that effort by allowing the work to continue.

Are you waiting until circumstances are perfect to get to work on your life? Need all the right resources before you begin the effort? Guess what? Through Jesus, God has provided you everything you need to live a life that is pleasing to Him!

The Lord wants all to be saved; and if the Lord is for us, no one can be against us! In the parable of the talents (MT 25:14-30), Jesus teaches us that God expects us to get started doing something for Him with what we have been given. Why not start today?

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