G-d’s Illuminators!

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