by Marcia Vogl - December 15, 2020

Tuesday Prayer Focus Notes

The Month of Tevet. Restore Worship

Includes 8 days of Hanukkah

2020 December 10-18 are the days of Hanukkah.  Hanukkah celebrates the Maccabees defeating the Syrians/Greeks to take back their land and rededicated the temple.  Only one day of oil was found so they lit it anyway and it lasted for 7 more days.  This was the Miracle of God’s light in restoring Israel.

This is what the candles say.

a.) Never be afraid to stand up for what’s right. Judah Maccabee and his band faced daunting odds, but that didn’t stop them. With a prayer on their lips and faith in their heart, they entered the battle of their lives—and won. We can do the same.

b.) Always increase in matters of goodness and Torah-observance. Sure, a single flame was good enough for yesterday, but today needs to be even better.

c.) A little light goes a long way. The Chanukah candles are lit when dusk is falling. Perched in the doorway, they serve as a beacon for the darkening streets. No matter how dark it is outside, a candle of Godly goodness can transform the darkness itself into light.

d.) Take it to the streets. Chanukah is unique in that its primary mitzvah is observed in public. It’s not enough to be a Jew at heart, or even at home. Chanukah teaches us to shine outwards into our surroundings with the Godly glow of mitzvahs.

e.) Don't be ashamed to perform mitzvahs (laws/good works), even if you will feel different. Rather, be like a menorah, proudly proclaiming its radiant uniqueness for all to see.

Hanukkah blessings:

1. Protection: Defeated enemies of oppression
2. Restoration: Restored the worship of God
3. Miracles: Worship continued with lamp
4. Light (Revelation): They received light

We must respond to God’s mercy.
Story of the tribe of Dan.

1. Shown a great light but chose to walk in darkness
2. Given mercy, but didn’t respond with worship
3. Samson was of the tribe of Dan
   1. Anointed and destined at birth
   2. Was to be a Warrior Hero
   3. Destined to rule and judge in the tribes
   4. Strong as a young lion
   5. Creative ability
   6. Great strength to repel the attacker
   7. Caught in a cycle of sin.
   8. Did not have a heart for God to walk with Him
   9. Lived to satisfy his passions.

Tribe of Dan fell into idolatry

1. Refused to join the other tribes in worship
2. Carried off by Assyrians into captivity
3. Missed their destiny because they would not respond with worship

Choose:  Either receive God’s gifts but live for yourself OR Respond to God by giving yourself to Him. (Romans 12:1)
If you fail to respond with worship, you will miss your destiny

The Three Wisemen responded with worship.

1. They were Pagans
2. Learned of Jewish prophecy through Daniel’s history in Babylon
3. Sought out the prophesied King
4. When they found Him, they worshiped. They found the Kingdom of God.

God wants you to respond to Him with worship to secure your destiny.

Romans 12:1 Passion Translation
Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.

Merry Christmas