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Tonight at sundown we will celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish holiday known as the festival of lights.  History tells us that the beginnings of the holiday took place at a turbulent time in Israel.  The land of Israel was controlled by a Seleucid king who didn’t allow them to worship the God of Abraham but insisted on the worship of false greek deities.  After this Tyrant desecrated the temple, a family of brothers who had had enough banded together for the freedom of their people and the restoration of true worship in Jerusalem.  The miracle of Hanukkah happens after Judas Maccabee and his brothers regain control of Jerusalem and want to rededicate the temple to the Lord.  Even though there was only enough untainted olive oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for a single day, the flames continued flickering for eight nights, leaving them time to find a fresh supply. This miraculous event inspired the eight night yearly celebration of Hanukkah.

I’m reminded in this story that the God of the universe is looking for those he can partner with in the earth.  The Maccabean revolt is a beautiful picture of a family who would not be passive in their worship of the one true God.  They fought for two years in gorilla style warfare in order to see reformation in their land.  It was their great zeal for righteousness that would not relent in the midst of great oppression and darkness reigning in their kingdom.  They were committed to see covenant restored in Israel.  When they found that there was only enough oil for one day, they had a decision to make.

Will I ration what I have out of fear that it might run out? Or will I lay it all on the line, using every ounce of what I have so that He can bring the increase?  They believed that their dedication would please the Lord so they chose to burn their oil no matter what!

It is also clear from the miracle of Hanukkah that God was dedicated to the dedication process of the temple. He will give of Himself, so that we can live in purity and holiness completely set apart for Him.  When you run out, He will always run in!  The great thing about being partnered together with someone is that you don’t have to do it on your own.

My prayer in this season:

Lord, I want to burn for you!  I want to give of myself completely for your service.  Forgive me for keeping what you have given me for a rainy day and not using myself up on you.  I believe you are able “to perfect that which concerns me” and you are committed to making me holy.  Where there is lack in my life, I will trust you.  Thank you for showing yourself strong on my behalf and doing great wonders on account of me.