POSTED 28 DECEMBER, 2008

Chanukah Revisted

by Mark Huey
mark@outreachisrael.net

reproduced from the McHuey Blog

In this seemingly unending “topsy turvy” world, the opportunity to spend eight days kindling our family chanukiah—with the express intention of reflecting on Yeshua, the Light of the World, and our responsibility to be representatives of His lights in the world—has been quite a blessing to our household. Remembering aspects of the Feast of Dedication, the account of the Maccabees, and distinct traditions regarding the Festival of Lights, (or even being prompted to re-read Luke chs. 1-2 when e-mailed a YouTube link from a Messianic friend) has certainly added substance to my walks with the Messiah of Israel as another year comes to a close. Returning to these historical accounts, reflecting on their significance and veracity, brings not only comforting continuity—but encouragement to recognize our ongoing tasks as ministers to the lost and perverted generation we serve.

Margaret and I have always advocated and taught our children, and have also encouraged others, to be aware of what is happening in the world and the culture around us. As a result, we should all be cognizant of the different information and disinformation stimuli that permeate the globe. Discerning the difference between truthful, accurate reporting—and hype or gross error—becomes a full time job at times, especially if one is not grounded in the Word and constantly pleading the Holy One for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Depending on the Holy Spirit to be not only our Comforter and Helper, but most critically our Teacher, is of paramount importance. Yeshua tells us without reservation that the Father has sent us the Holy Spirit to teach us all things:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:26-27).

Earlier, Yeshua stated that the Holy Spirit is not only the Spirit of truth, but that Believers will know Him:

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17).

Many centuries earlier, the Prophet Ezekiel foretold how God would give His people hearts of flesh:

“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances” (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

When it comes to the annual celebration of Chanukah, which should renew our faith in the Light of the World, we should be encouraged. We should each be reminded of His teaching from the Sermon on the Mount on how His followers are to be the light of the world. If you just peruse and reflect on this familiar passage of Scripture, you just might be reminded of your responsibility as a disciple of the Messiah Yeshua:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3-19).

Can you think of a better passage of Scripture to meditate upon as 2009 commences?

Let me ask you a few questions:

Are you readying your heart for a year full of blessings? Will you be humble in spirit? Will you mourn with those in need? Will you be meek in your strength of conviction? Will you hunger and thirst for a righteous lifestyle and testimony before others? Will you keep your heart pure before the Lord? Will you seek peace among the brethren and others? Will you be persecuted for a noticeable righteous walk? Will people say evil things about you because of your proclamations about Yeshua?

These are certainly worthy goals that are much more eternally rewarding than some of the things that you can worry about:

Are you fearful about Israeli military incursions in Gaza? Saber rattling along the Pakistani and Indian border? Are you concerned about economic forecasts of worldwide financial meltdown? What about the inauguration of an untested president, whose election has triggered a definitive shift in American society?

Among all the Scriptures I have quoted above, there is one important admonition from Yeshua that I hope you noticed. He says that you are to keep your heart from being troubled or fearful (John 16:27). The significance of this cannot be overstated, because by focusing on Him, communing with the indwelling Holy Spirit, and seeking the blessings that flow from a life of faithful obedience, you will not have time to be troubled or fearful! Instead, you will find the time to pray, mediate upon the Word, interact with other Believers, and allow your life to be transformed as you become more and more like the Lord.

When you can become more like the Light of the World, you will actually look forward to the days, weeks, and months ahead—not knowing necessarily what to expect, but recognizing that the Father has created you for a time such as this, with the exact places, people, and circumstances that come your way. Remaining faithful to His Word and the opportunities He has given you to share the light of the good news will give you great joy. Knowing that you can call upon Him should be more than comforting!

And before long, you will be through another year. Your spiritual discernment will be greater. Your acts of righteousness will be enhanced. The meaningful fruit from your labors of love will be overflowing. Another Chanukah will come, and you will have another opportunity to revisit the blessing of being God’s light to the world. If you can think of a better way to spend the coming year, all I can say is that you must be serving someone other than the Messiah Yeshua.

May the Holy One be glorified in all that we do! I pray that you had a blessed Chanukah season, with many more to come!

Mark Huey (B.A., Vanderbilt University in History and Graduate Studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University) is the Director of Outreach Israel Ministries (www.outreachisrael.net). He is the author of several books, including: TorahScope, Volumes I & II, and Counting the Omer: A Daily Devotional Toward Shavuot. He is also co-author of Hebraic Roots: An Introductory Study.