Daniel received a vision of Israel’s future in 539 B.C. but like most prophesies it foretold the future in several layers. The first fulfillment began after the death of Alexander The Great in 323 B.C.
We don’t understand God’s ways. It looked as though the enemy had retreated. But instead, life got much worse for Israel. Antiochus sought to divide the people. He persecuted and tortured those who remained faithful to YHWH and extended favor and benefits to those who would turn away from God.
December 18th, the Jewish people (and some Christians) lit the first of the eight candles on the Hanukkah menorah. Actually there are nine candles, but one is always separated in some way. That “special” candle is called “The Servant” candle. The Servant candle is lit and then lights all the other candles. So now let’s consider the history of Hanukkah.
The Maccabees ruled Israel for 100 years. In the end they became as corrupt as previous rulers. Soon God removed His hand of blessing from His beloved city. Enemies arose and began to threaten Israel. The king turned to Rome, an emerging power. Eventually the guest turned against the host and Rome absorbed Israel.
Many people believe that Hanukkah celebrates a miraculous provision of a little bit of oil that lasted for eight days. Hence, the holiday is celebrated for eight days and a candle is lit on each night. While that might have happened, there is no historical record of such a miracle.
Soon, the world will celebrate two different but linked holidays – Christmas and Hanukkah. The first candle of Hanukkah is lit at sundown on December 28th.
Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Forty days after Yeshua rose from the dead He ascended to the place from which He came – to sit at the Right Hand of the Father. There He will remain until the time that Israel seeks Him. At that time He will return and fight for Israel putting His (and her) enemies under His feet.
The Resurrection of Yeshua remains the watershed issue of faith. His Resurrection proved the deity of Yeshua. Salvation depends on God’s grace and our faith in the atoning death, burial and resurrection of Messiah Yeshua. Just believing that Yeshua was a good man will not result in reconciliation to God or the forgiveness of sin.
Although there continues to be debate regarding the actual day of His crucifixion and burial, almost every other detail was prophesied in the Hebrew Bible.
Today we turn our attention to the events surrounding Yeshua’s death. He was rejected, abandoned and betrayed by His followers:
Many people say that Jesus never claimed to be God, and yet when asked, Jesus pointed to the miracles He performed, miracles that only God can do. To those who were willing to hear, He proclaimed quite clearly that He was God, that He and the Father were one.
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