December 10

On this day in history:

1. 1997, Tom Osborn resigned as head coach of the Cornhuskers
2. 1869, Wyoming voted to allow women to hold elected offices
3. 1520, Martin Luther burned the Papal Bull – a “pastor” openly saying “No” to the powers that ruled. His act is of impact yet today! Thanks to God for His servant’s courage and deeds!

Today at sundown begins Hanukkah – the Feast of Lights

We find Jesus at “Hanukkah” in Jerusalem.  John 10:22-25, Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch.  Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”  Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me.

The roots of the Dedication are found in Daniel 11:31-34, And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation.  Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue.

Antiochus Epiphanes had conquered Jerusalem and sacrificed a pig on the temple altar on December 15, 167 BC which brought on a revolt from faithful Jews who with little outside help were able to defeat the invader and restore the temple to daily service to God (164 BC).  According to folklore:  when cleansing the temple, they found only enough oil to light the candelabra (menorah) in the Holy Place for one day but it lasted eight days giving time to sanctify oils for its continued use.  Thus, Hanukkah lasts for eight days.

This morning in the men’s study we were looking at Amos 7:10-13, Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear all his words. “For thus Amos has said: ‘Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive from their own land.’”  Then Amaziah said to Amos: “Go, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah. There eat bread, and there prophesy. But never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is the royal residence.”

Again, how pertinent is God’s Word to our world and life today in the USA?

1. The gurus/priests of the pagan religion ruling in Bethel/D.C. complained about the teachings of God’s people.
2. Amos declared that the sitting “king” was soon to be removed.
3. Amos said that the nation was going away – a major change was coming and it was not good.
4. Amos was told to go away – to go back south of Jerusalem and there he could teach but he was not permitted to teach in D.C. nor to the powers that be (cut off from Facebook and Twitter).

Amos reviewed his calling by God (7:14-15) and then pronounced a curse on Amaziah, the false prophet (7:16-17).

Do you not see us here?  Forces contrary to God reject both God’s Word and God’s servants.  Yet, God speaks and we best listen and obey for God rules kings, kingdoms, and gurus!