Yeshua was walking in the Temple around
Solomon’s Colonnade.
Then the Judean leaders surrounded Him, saying,
‘How long will you hold us in suspense?
If You are the Messiah, tell us outright!’”
(John 10:22-24 TLB*)
Very few know that the Bible records Yeshua (Jesus) in Jerusalem for the joyous celebration of Hanukkah. In most Bible translations, it is called the
"the Feast of Dedication."
A quick look in a concordance will reveal it is indeed the eight day celebration of Hanukkah. In fact, the Hebrew word, Hanukkah means dedication. The holiday commemorates the re-dedication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem in 165 BC.
Although Hanukkah is not one of the biblical observances found in Leviticus 23,
it is a very significant holiday containing a powerful and timeless message.
We are effectively living in 168BC Israel...
Tonight, December 10, 2020, at twilight, the first candle of Hanukkah is lit around the world. Often called The Festival of Light, it is also The Feast of Dedication — revealing the definitive meaning of the holiday. The Hebrew word Hanukkah חֲנֻכָּה actually means dedication, and commemorates the dramatic events in168 BC when Israel was overtaken by ungodly heathens under Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The Holy Temple was defiled and they were forced, under penalty of death, to bow to pagan gods.
Most Israelites simply compromised all they believed in and took on the abominations of their occupiers, while some could not turn their backs on God and were slaughtered in the public square — for observing the Sabbath, circumcising their sons or refusing to eat pork. But a small band of pious men fled the blasphemies and lawlessness, vowing never to forsake the covenant of the LORD. They would become heroes, restoring Jerusalem and reDEDICATING the Holy Temple for the glory of God.
DEDICATION and COMPROMISE
The unfathomable events of 2020 bring this year’s Hanukkah commemoration into sharp focus. Like Israel, we are sorely challenged on nearly every level.
From the historical account in 1 Maccabees: (Antiochus sent sent emissaries who) “came unto Jerusalem with a great multitude, and spake peaceable words unto them, but all was deceit: for when they had given him credence, he fell suddenly upon the city, and smote it very sore, and destroyed much people of Israel.”
Reflecting on our health “overlords” — experts — who have advised and managed the novel coronavirus pandemic ... Men and women who speak with great compassion and certainty, yet have ghoulishly withheld early treatment (something NEVER done before in any disease) causing horrifying, needless suffering and mortality... I watched a doctor testify yesterday before congress about the traumatizing effect this has had on those providing ICU care — KNOWING IT DIDN’T HAVE TO BE — saying they just can’t go on much longer. It’s murderous! And they can’t get the FDA/CDC/WHO to LISTEN or BUDGE. There are now MASSIVE documented studies PROVING safe, early treatments — but we are ruled by those who are supposed to serve us yet they are DESTROYING THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA — dedicated to death. And we are complacent.
Completely opposite of all history of medical treatment, they have quarantined the healthy (rather than use prophylaxis that is widely available) and destroyed the economy — again, needlessly. (Needless that is, except for the goal of bringing us to our knees, crushing our spirits, blaming President Trump for the deaths, to clear the way for the Great Reset.)
We have cowered and obeyed when they said CHURCHES MUST CLOSE, but STRIP CLUBS, LIQUOR STORES and ABORTION CLINICS must stay open Oh, and MASSIVE, DESTRUCTIVE, Black Lives Matter/Antifa raids/riots/pillagings ARE NECESSARY and DO NOT SPREAD COVID—and contact tracers are NOT ALLOWED to ASK if a patient has attended one of these wonderful riots!
And once minimized church services are allowed to resume, NO WORSHIP SINGING IS ALLOWED. (But screaming and shreeking obscenities at police and white people is essential and healthy.) And we actually find this reasonable ...
We can’t question any of this because censorship has come to our technologically advanced civilization. No longer does the government need to collect radios to stop people from communicating, or have to broadcast propaganda day and night from every street corner, for every major news outlet proclaims nearly the identical mis/disinformation 24 hours, 7 days a week, disorienting an entire population.
...And our social media oligarchs scrupulously censor any contrary messages, assuring the truth doesn’t reach beyond a small circle of friends — while issuing warnings to create a sense of distrust and confusion. Repeat “offenders” will eventually be sentenced to a virtual gulag to permanently silence them. And we’re okay with that — it gives us something to tweet and meet about, and express our indignation ... while we still can.
“...the women and children took they captive...“
In our hearts (and rational minds) we KNOW that DNA exists. We KNOW that there are only two genders. Yet, society is now FORCED to propagate a lie — to say there are a multitude of genders (whatever you FEEL at the moment) and to call genetic women “men” and vice versa — to actually say that “men menstruate.” Teachers are forced to call children of one biological sex by the pronouns of another — or are participating in the transgender fad. Parents and professionals no longer offer compassionate therapy to children and young people who are struggling with gender identity (“Gender Dysphoria”) in fact, it is not allowed — rather, we are castrating boys and sterilizing pre-pubescent girls in spite of the whole of history showing the irreparable damage this does to them.
In “normalizing” LGBTQ, etc., they too, have legal access to defile our children. Until very recently, sexual aberrations and fetishes used to be private. Now they are celebrated — given an ENTIRE MONTH to celebrate with debauchery on parade in city streets and government buildings! Are there true heroes that are worshiped and celebrated in this way?! Transvestites in full “drag” — a fringe sexual deviation, previously found repugnant by most adults — are now afforded access to ply their sick sexuality upon young children — replete with bump and grind, and sometimes full body contact! Is this Sodom and Gomorrah?!
We are exposing girls and women to predators by mandating that MEN who “SAY” they identify as a woman at the moment must be allowed access to female restrooms and locker rooms. What sort of cruel madness is this?! Female sports have also been destroyed by this perversion of truth as males have been allowed to compete in female sports. THEY ARE STILL BIOLOGICALLY MALE WITH STRONGER BUILD, MUSCULATURE and STAMINA. Lies, lies, lies.
Those with spiritual insight realize that what is behind this is the Father of Lies, deceiving people to show contempt for God and His Word in Genesis 5:2: “He created them male and female, and blessed them and called them Mankind in the day they were created.”
The issue of abortion has utterly polarized America, with the election of Donald J. Trump as President in 2016. He has been the most pro-life President in American history, consistently proclaiming boldly that life is sacred from conception. He is the only U.S. President to attend and speak at a national pro-life rally. When his election was announced, news anchors became unhinged, saying he would take away a woman’s right to choose, and one yelled on air: “women, get your abortions now while you still can!” in tears...
With his originalist, moral Supreme Court nominations, and bold stand for life—both at home and abroad, i.e., at DAVOS, President Trump has made bitter enemies of the Democrats, who prove themselves more and more to be anti-Christian, anti-Semitic, and rabidly anti-morality. In doing so, they have set themselves against the most vulnerable among us—babies, children, women ...
When abortion was initially legalized, it was during a time when young women were desperate to avoid the stain of shame — to be found pregnant outside the bounds of marriage used to be mortifying—considered sinful. At that time, abortion was a heartrending decision and only allowed during the first few months, before (what was believed) a fetus was believed to be “life.”
Abortion today is used as birth control — to get rid of an inconvenience and multiple terminations is not uncommon — in fact, there are rallies where women boast of their abortions and how advantageous they have been to their lives. There is no shame of the selfishness, narcissism or callousness to life.
“Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush.” Jeremiah 6:15
Indeed, the lack of recognition of the sacredness of life has sunk to incomprehensible depths, with the murder of FULL TERM babies as they are being delivered is not seen as abominable infanticide/murder among many (primarily Democrats), and legislation to legalize this barbaric practice is sought in many areas of the U.S. How does this differ from pagans murdering their children to appease their gods?
“...And they put therein a sinful nation...”
The depravity of much of America — a nation founded upon biblical principles — is shocking. Yet, perhaps more shocking is the LACK of horror at the enormity of depravity and corruption!
The striking contrast between the two political parties couldn’t be greater. The Republican Party stands for preserving founding ideals (not founder’s sins), the Constitution, the biblical foundations, liberty—of speech, religious assembly, expression of faith and discourse in the public square, of self-determination (if it doesn’t infringe upon other’s rights), the sanctity of life, due process, equality of opportunity and protection, the tenet that all men (and women) are created equal by God, traditional marriage between a man and a woman, and patriotism — an appreciation for our nation that has truly been exceptional among nations in its freedom, opportunity and prosperity.
Today’s Democrat Party is not the party of JFK. The party of lawlessness, It is wildly radical, anti-American, anti-liberty, anti-Constitution, and the only equality it believes in is taking from those who have achieved and giving to those who haven’t. (Stealing and redistributing.)
Democrats stand squarely against all biblical morality. They stand with oppressive, totalitarian nations—our enemies, not our allies. With them, they proclaim America is evil and its sins have not been overcome. Democrats stand for race distinction and hierarchy — and white guilt and punishment. They stand against protecting children and the unborn. They lie and cheat to achieve their goals.
After four years of trying one fabrication after another — using taxpayer money to fund their vendettas to try to unseat President Trump, they used the exact same machinery third world dictators used to CHEAT to win the 2020 election for a man that heads a crime syndicate taking astronomical sums from America’s number one enemy, China, and others! A man that is so compromised (many, many times worse than they tried to frame President Trump for!) as well as too ill and frail that it is patently ludicrous to imagine he could even be hired to run a fast food restaurant, it’s obvious the entire election was a fraud.
But how would Democrats even know? If they only watch/read major media outlets, they are get carefully curated lies and HAVE NO IDEA of TRUTH! It’s not allowed. America’s election was just stolen by epic amounts of fraud and half of America believes the newscasters droning on with their lies, “No evidence of any fraud!” And FaceBook and Twitter censoring the truth. And the Democrats are fine with the censorship and loss of free speech.
Yet, this doesn’t explain the silence on the part of the masses who DO know and yet remain silent... Those who are complacent to see this country destroyed from within ... and taken over by the globalist cabal at DAVOS. These are not unlike the Israelites who chose to compromise under Antiochus:
“Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed unto idols...”
Did the idols save them? Of course not. THE FOOLS led Israel to desolation. But the story doesn’t end there.
Mattathias Maccabeus, a pious man who had fled with his sons, rather than compromise, eventually charged them to return: “Recompense fully the heathen, and take heed to the commandments of the law. So he blessed them, and was gathered to his fathers.” 1 Maccabees Ch. 2
"Then his son Judas, called Maccabeus, rose up in his stead. And all his brethren helped him, and so did all they that held with his father, and they fought with cheerfulness the battle of Israel. ...he went through the cities of Juda, destroying the ungodly out of them, and turning away wrath from Israel..."1 Maccabees Ch. 3
Israel, Jerusalem, and the Holy Temple was restored and rededicated for God’s glory. And this is the origin of Hanukkah.
"...the princes and elders mourned, the virgins and young men were made feeble, and the beauty of women was changed. Every bridegroom took up lamentation, and she that sat in the marriage chamber was in heaviness. ...the king sent his chief collector of tribute unto the cities of Juda, who came unto Jerusalem with a great multitude, and spake peaceable words unto them, but all was deceit: for when they had given him credence, he fell suddenly upon the city, and smote it very sore, and destroyed much people of Israel. And when he had taken the spoils of the city, he set it on fire, and pulled down the houses. But the women and children took they captive... And they put therein a sinful nation, wicked men, and fortified themselves therein. They stored it also with armour and victuals, and when they had gathered together the spoils of Jerusalem, they laid them up there, and so they became a sore snare: For it was a place to lie in wait against the sanctuary, and an evil adversary to Israel. Thus they shed innocent blood on every side of the sanctuary, and defiled it:
Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her feasts were turned into mourning, her sabbaths into reproach her honour into contempt. And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen agreed according to the commandment of the king. Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath.
For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem and the cities of Juda that they should follow the strange laws of the land, And forbid burnt offerings, and sacrifice, and drink offerings, in the temple; and that they should profane the sabbaths and festival days: And pollute the sanctuary and holy people: Set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, and sacrifice swine's flesh, and unclean beasts: That they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and profanation: To the end they might forget the law, and change all the ordinances. And whosoever would not do according to the commandment of the king, he said, he should die.
...they put to death certain women, that had caused their children to be circumcised. And they hanged the infants about their necks ... many in Israel were fully resolved and confirmed in themselves not to eat any unclean thing. Wherefore the rather to die, that they might not be defiled with meats, and that they might not profane the holy covenant: so then they died. And there was very great wrath upon Israel." 1 Maccabees Ch. 1The horrendous occupation served to try the hearts of the Israelites. Sadly, many chose compromise and forsaking "the holy covenant, and joined themselves to the heathen." While others defied the wicked ruler's edicts, paying with their lives and abominable punishments. Some pious men fled the blasphemies and lawlessness to the mountains, vowing never to forsake the covenant of the Lord.
"Now therefore, my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers. Call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their time... Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness? Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment and was made lord of Egypt. Daniel for his innocency was delivered from the mouth of lions. Fear not then the words of a sinful man: for his glory shall be dung and worms. To day he shall be lifted up and to morrow he shall not be found, because he is returned into his dust, and his thought is come to nothing. Wherefore, ye my sons, be valiant and shew yourselves men in the behalf of the law; for by it shall ye obtain glory. As for Judas Maccabeus, he hath been mighty and strong, even from his youth up: let him be your captain, and fight the battle of the people. Take also unto you all those that observe the law, and avenge ye the wrong of your people. Recompense fully the heathen, and take heed to the commandments of the law. So he blessed them, and was gathered to his fathers. 1 Maccabees Ch. 2After about two years of guerilla-like fighting, this small band of zealous Jews led by Judah Maccabeus miraculously routed the vast heathen armies, the enemies of God, thus reclaiming Jerusalem and the Temple.
"Then his son Judas, called Maccabeus, rose up in his stead. And all his brethren helped him, and so did all they that held with his father, and they fought with cheerfulness the battle of Israel. ...he went through the cities of Juda, destroying the ungodly out of them, and turning away wrath from Israel..."1 Maccabees Ch. 3
"It is no hard matter for many to be shut up in the hands of a few; and with the God of heaven it is all one, to deliver with a great multitude, or a small company: For the victory of battle standeth not in the multitude of an host; but strength cometh from heaven. They come against us in much pride and iniquity to destroy us, and our wives and children, and to spoil us: But we fight for our lives and our laws. Wherefore the Lord himself will overthrow them before our face: and as for you, be ye not afraid of them." 1 Maccabees Ch. 3,
"Then said Judas and his brethren, Behold, our enemies are discomfited: let us go up to cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary.
And when they saw the sanctuary desolate, and the altar profaned, and the gates burned up, and shrubs growing in the courts as in a forest, or in one of the mountains, yea, and the priests' chambers pulled down; They rent their clothes, and made great lamentation, and cast ashes upon their heads, And fell down flat to the ground upon their faces, and blew an alarm with the trumpets, and cried toward heaven. Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those that were in the fortress, until he had cleansed the sanctuary. So he chose priests of blameless conversation, such as had pleasure in the law: Who cleansed the sanctuary, and bare out the defiled stones into an unclean place. And laid up the stones in the mountain of the temple in a convenient place, until there should come a prophet to shew what should be done with them.Thus the miraculous victory was finally realized. The Holy Temple was cleansed and rededicated. Moreover, God's People were cleansed and rededicated—for a time. Zeal for Adonai was returned to Israel.
Then they took whole stones according to the law, and built a new altar according to the former; And made up the sanctuary, and the things that were within the temple, and hallowed the courts. They made also new holy vessels, and into the temple they brought the candlestick, and the altar of burnt offerings, and of incense, and the table. And upon the altar they burned incense, and the lamps that were upon the candlestick they lighted, that they might give light in the temple. Furthermore they set the loaves upon the table, and spread out the veils, and finished all the works which they had begun to make. And offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of burnt offerings, which they had made. Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and praising the God of heaven, who had given them good success. And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days and offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed the sacrifice of deliverance and praise. Thus was there very great gladness among the people, for that the reproach of the heathen was put away. Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole congregation of Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their season from year to year by the space of eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu [Chislev], with mirth and gladness. " 1 Maccabees Ch. 4
The overarching themes that infuse this joyous holiday are timeless and profound:
- DEDICATION & LIGHT Adonai no longer dwells in a Temple of Jerusalem stone, but in temples of living stone. You and I carry His Name before a world populated by Antiochus Epiphanes challenging, coercing, enticing, and sometimes demanding that we compromise His inconvenient Truth or our values, in order to be accepted or avoid loss. Even among "believers," we often face such moral dilemmas. Hanukkah rips away the mask of appeasement. One cannot appease evil or compromise God's Word. Hanukkah bids us to trust valiantly in our God and His holiness. "God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5).
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 says we are to teach our children to love the LORD. This in part is the purpose of the yearly cycle of observances and the traditional ways in which we celebrate, to tell HIS-story from generation to generation. Each Hanukkah, Jewish families tell the story of the brave Maccabees who refused to turn their back on God and Torah, of the families that suffered terribly under the godless Antiochus Epiphanes, the enemy of the God of Israel, and of the Jews who did compromise and joined him, turning their back on God. We tell our children of the miraculous faithfulness of God to the faithful few who trusted, and how God has preserved the Jewish People against all odds throughout millennia. The story of the miracle of the oil is told and objects are used that help the children remember.
This Hanukkah celebration was taking place as Yeshua spoke and said that it was His works that really tell who He is. In 10:25 Jesus goes on to say, “...the works that I do in my Father’s name, these bear witness of me.” How intriguing to think that it was works that defeated the Syrians against great odds, that it was works that restored the Temple and re-instituted the sacrifices, and that it was possibly a miraculous work that kept the Menorah lit for eight days. ...And it is works that identify each of us as being a part of God’s family.
Works do tell who we are, don’t they? Each year around the world and for eight days the candles of the hanukkiah are lit in remembrance of this story and in celebration of what doing the work of God once brought. As we reflect on that story why don’t we think on what works we might do for our God, that His light may bring hope through us to a dark world. "For we are His workmanship—created in Messiah Yeshua for good deeds, which God prepared beforehand so we might walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10 TLB*).
CALENDAR: Chanukah 2020
HANUKKAH BEGINS at SUNDOWN THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 (1st candle is lit) and is CELEBRATED through SUNDOWN FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 (light all 8 candles)
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