Light is often used in
the Bible to describe G-d’s people as His illuminators in the world. When G-d
called Israel, He called them to be His light to the Nations: “I,
Adonai, called you in righteousness, I will take hold of your hand, I will keep
you and give you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations.”
(Isaiah 42:6 TLV). Messiah Yeshua, when speaking to his talmidim in Matthew
5:14, also made this point, calling them to be the light of the world! He then
added: “Let your light shine before men so that they may see your good works and
glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 TLV). G-d is
always looking for people to shine His truth into His world.
Chanukah relates a low
point in the history of Israel. The Jewish leadership in Jerusalem was living
“lightless” among the Greek Syrians, following their pagan traditions and
assimilating even some of their beliefs. A few faithful Jews refused to go
along and so persecution came about against those Jewish people who refused to
“get with” the Greek program; those faithful Jewish people chose to live as
persecuted light rather than as prosperous darkness. Their actions led to a
great victory for G-d and a spiritual revival for Israel. It is this
rededication to G-d to live as a Jewish light among the nations that we
celebrate at Chanukah.
What a responsibility and privileged it is for
us to live as lights for the Light of the World: Messiah Yeshua! This month, think about what this means and
how you can be someone who spiritually lights up a room!
Forward for Messiah!
Kirk Gliebe
Rabbi & Director
