It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Fighting Back, a reflection on 2 Maccabees 8:1-20

To confront the Syrian Greeks, Judas Maccabeus and his companions moved through the villages enlisting a Jewish force of about six thousand. They implored the Lord to remember the evils done and to do something about it.

The wrath of God had turned to mercy. When Maccabeus got his army organized, the Gentiles were not able to withstand it. He set fire to towns and villages, captured strategic positions, scared off many of the enemy forces. Talk of his valor spread.

Philip was able to get aid from his allies, totaling at least twenty thousand Gentiles from all nations. He captured Jews and sold them into slavery ( not recognizing whose side the Lord was on). When Judas told his companions about this army, some who were cowardly or distrustful of God's justice deserted. Others prayed to the Lord for rescue of those who had been enslaved.

Maccabeus gathered his six thousand. He exhorted them to trust in the Almighty God who was able with a single nod to strike down all coming against them, even, if necessary, the whole world. He reminded then of how their ancestors had defeated enemies against all odds.

(Compare with 1 Maccabees 2-5).

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