We lit the eighth light tonight as we begin the final day of Hanukkah. We lit our menorahs over our meal of Brussels Sprout Latkes. We read the reading and said a blessing as my boys had mixed emotions - excitement with a tinge of melancholy to light the eighth and final light on their menorahs.
I am struck by the story of The Maccabees again. The men who led the revolt against the Greeks where absolutely convicted in their hearts that there was no one and no thing worthy of worship but EL SHADDAI - Lord God Almighty.
No other god - not even Zeus - could hold a candle to EL ELYON - the Most High God.
After they stood their ground, knowing that they were fighting from a place of covenant, and attained victory over the Greek soldiers they would teach their children with a new found passion about ADONAI - Lord and Master. Their story is a testimony of Legacy. They told a story of the faithfulness of God and because of their story, an 8 day celebration persists over 2000 years later! They taught their children the testimony of the oil and the provision of light!
Just as the Greeks tried to force their way of life and beliefs on the Jews in those days, the world is trying to press its beliefs and ways of life on you and me every day - which are contrary to JEHOVAH RA’AH - The Lord my Shepherd.
You might be preparing for Christmas and New Years with excitement and celebration for a New Start! Maybe you’re looking at it as just another thing that you need to get through. Maybe it’s a difficult season due to loss or trauma. Perhaps you are in a place where you’re not really sure which way is up!
I want to assure you that EMMANUEL - God With Us is here for you.
There is a legacy of faith recorded in the Holy Scriptures that provide hope for you in any situation. God Himself has shown His grace and mercy toward us in the very Names that He is called.
Read the following Names of God found in scripture. Read them slowly. If one catches your attention, stop reading and pray. That Name is the name you need right now to discover God’s heart for you in this time. Just pray that Name - say it over and over - and the Wonderful Counselor will bring understanding and the Comforter will move in, the Holy Spirit will bring you wisdom from Heaven.
El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty)
El Elyon (The Most High God)
Adonai (Lord, Master)
Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah)
Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner)
Jehovah Raah (The Lord My Shepherd)
Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Heals)
Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There)
Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness)
Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You)
El Olam (The Everlasting God)
Elohim (God the Creator
Qanna (Jealous)
Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)
Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace)
Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts)
Jehovah Chereb (The Lord our Sword)
Jehovah Ezer (The Lord my help)
Jehovah Ori (The Lord my Light)
Jehovah Elnose (The Lord that forgave)
Abba (Intimate as a child to their daddy)
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