Recounting the Story of the Maccabees.
But more than the traditional Hanukkah of latkas and dreidles, we take these 8 days to read the story of the Maccabees.
Why was this book removed from the bible?
We could speculate all day about possible reasons that the book of Maccabees was removed from the bible. Perhaps reformed Christianity thought very highly of Greek culture and didn't like the portrayal of the Greeks as the "bad guys"? Perhaps it didn't fit the doctrine of "grace" telling the story of men fighting for the Torah of the Most High?
Strength Comes from Heaven
Just like in the story of the Maccabees, our way of life is being threatened and we are greatly outnumbered. Will the world culture turn on us? Will they say "assimilate or die"? How can we fight against the multitudes of zealots who want to conform everyone to the pattern of the world?
Judas Maccabeus gives us the answer:
It is easy for many to be inclosed in the hands of a few, and there is no difference in the sight of heaven between saving through many or through few, for victory in war does not depend upon the size of the force, but strength comes from heaven. They come against us full of violence and lawlessness, to destroy us and our wives and our children, and to plunder us, but we are fighting for our lives and our laws. He Himself will crush them before us, and you must not be afraid of them." 1 Maccabees 3:18-22
This is the promise that the Most High gives to those who are faithful to Him:
How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up? Deuteronomy 32:30
Trusting in The Blessing of Yah
The Most High puts before every believer two choices, two paths. One path is broad and easy, the other path is narrow and difficult. The broad path leads to destruction and curses, while the narrow path leads to life and blessings!
One of the blessings is that two God-fearing people (even a husband and wife) will be able to put 10,000 enemies to flight from their presence. What an amazing idea! Do we believe it? Can we trust God's word?
We know the story of the Maccabees is historical, but nobody can explain how such a small band of people were able to stand against the armies of the Greeks. Historians have spent lifetimes trying to explain practically how they were able to do this, but in the end, there is always some inconvenient fact that says it's a miracle.
We also have to trust in the Most High for our protection. Trust that even with our backs to the sea and the army rushing towards us, the Creator of Heaven and Earth is able to save. If our garments are washed in the blood of the lamb, even then we know that the Son of God has risen and those who trust in Him will overcome the enemy by the word of our testimony.
We must believe the promise of God and trust in His word!
Take to heart all these words I testify among you today, so that you may command your children to carefully follow all the words of this Torah, for they are not idle words to you, because they are your life. Deuteronomy 32:30
Arrogance and reproach have now grown strong, it is a time of disaster and hot anger. Now, my children, you must be zealous for the Torah and give your lives for the covenent of our fathers which they did in their generations and you will win great glory and everlasting renown. 1 Maccabees 2:49-50
Bless the Most High!