[Antiochus IV Epiphanies] wanted [the Jews] Hellenized, not just in spite of their wishes to the contrary, but because of them.
Please read Daniel 8:9-10 carefully. Using the same figurative language, record what the one fulfilling this prophecy would do.
“throw some of the starry host down to earth and trample them”
To what do the ‘stars’ and that which will ‘shine like the brightness of the heavens’ refer in Daniel 12:3? “wise advocates of righteousness”
Perhaps Ephesians 2:6 implies the same kind of idea regarding believers in Christ. What is our position according to this New Testament verse?
“seated in the heavenly realms with Christ”
Quick review: who began the revolt? “Mattathias Hasmonean.”
Who is Maccabeus, and what did his name probably mean? “Maccabeus was Judas, one of Mattathias’ five sons (I’d guess the eldest) and his name probably meant ‘hammer.’”
Which army ultimately won? “the smaller”
Do you feel as if you’re fighting a battle with odds stacked greatly against you? If so, what kind of battle is it? (Stay general if the specifics are private.)
“Not especially. There are all the routine stresses of having enough time and money to cover all the basic needs and many of the desired pleasures of daily life. I have worries about my elderly parents, especially over their lack of faith and ultimate destination. I also have an unpersuadable friend. But mostly, I am richly blessed and at peace.”
Read John 10:22-23. For what event was Christ in Jerusalem to celebrate? “the Feast of Dedication”
Dearest Rachel –
Having just gotten back from the mission trip in Honduras, I can confirm that, by way of comparison, we never truly had the odds stacked against us in the battles we faced in life, both together and separately. While it’s possible to face massive spiritual warfare anywhere on earth, and in any material condition, the fact that we rarely lacked for essentials precluded us from having the struggles that are more common elsewhere.
To elaborate on that, it was pointed out to me as we drove back to the airport, that if you saw a nice, large house in any of the neighborhoods we would travel in and through, it was almost guaranteed to be owned by the leaders of one cartel or another. These fellows have money, and a ‘good’ life, but they’ve sold their souls and mortgaged their lives to get there. There’s a reason that one of the gangs seeping into America these days has as its motto “laugh now, cry later.” And yet, the fact that they appear to have it all in the middle of a world of people that have next to nothing make their lifestyle very appealing; when the dishonest and cruel prosper, it makes those who would be honest and kind feel like chumps. That, right there, is a real spiritual battle.
Again, it’s not as if we dealt with anything like that personally – and while it can be good to be reminded of this fact, you already recognized it back then, and admitted as much. There was no point in lamenting “oh woe is me” about one thing or another when the facts on the ground where we were didn’t justify it. Sure, life wasn’t perfect, and there were unresolved spiritual issues with those around you, but if that was all there were, you couldn’t find it in your heart to consider them overwhelming odds.
Have those situations been resolved? Well, the books have been closed on your parents; they are where they have chosen to be, as you know, and as only the Lord knows on this side of eternity (and presumably, you know, being on the other side), there’s little more I can say about that. As for the friend – who you named, but I’ve decided not to transcribe – she knows who she is and where she stands, and wants no one else involved, and I’m not sure what can be done about that. The Lord doesn’t force people to come to Him, after all, so I’ve concluded that I should probably act likewise toward her. I will admit that, after so many intractable years, the odds don’t look good, but I wouldn’t call them overwhelming. Really, when you have God on your side, there’s no such thing; on the other hand, it’s occasionally hard to tell when we are on His side sometimes.
And with that having been said, honey, keep an eye on me, and nudge me to His side if you feel I need it. Oh, and wish me luck; I’m sure I’m going to need it.
Letters to Rachel 