Comments on: Hanukkah

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 22:34:56 +0000

Anyone inspired by the idea of oil not running out would be better served by a careful study of the *intricately* Christ-prophetic account of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath in 1st Kings 17:8-16, noting also the material which follows in the rest of the chapter regarding the revival from death of her only son. I have found it interesting (among MANY other elements) that the widow picks up two sticks. (Guess what you get when you hold two sticks at right angles to one another, towards their middles?)

On a lighter note, I suppose this must mean that Kwanzaa is destined for the ash heap of revisionist spiritual history as well? Say it ain't so! 😉

By: Joseph Herrin

Joseph Herrin — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 20:21:32 +0000

Dear Sister Deirdre,

I don't have any teaching on secular holidays. My focus has been upon those dates celebrated as "Christian" religious holidays.

Regarding secular holidays such as New Years Day, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, etc., my attitude is that the world is going to do what it is going to do. As Paul stated, "what have I to do with judging outsiders. Those outside God will judge." Paul admonishes us to judge that which is the realm of the body of Christ.

May you be blessed with peace and understanding in these days,

Joseph

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 18:49:36 +0000

Dear Mr. Herrin,
Does your website contain any info on New Years Eve?
Personally we don't celebrate it either and I don't know why anyone would be celebratory knowing what is coming….
Peace,
Deirdre

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 16:16:47 +0000

Bro. Joseph,
Thank you so very much for explaining this, I have diligently been praying about this entire matter. To me, this story rather reminds me of how the people took matters into their own hands and provided a substitute before Moses came down the mountain with the ten commandments. And in the dark days ahead, it will be even more difficult to wait on our Lord and many will be deceived.
I again thank God for your teaching and you.
Blessings always,
Sherry

By: Joseph Herrin

Joseph Herrin — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 11:42:48 +0000

Dear Angela,

The Jews were in no danger of being extinguished under the reign of the Seleucid rulers who bore the title of Antiochus. Some do not realize that even after the Maccabean revolt that Judea remained under the rule of the next Antiochus, supplying troops and tribute as required.

Pettiness, intrigue, betrayal, and murder of their own people marked the character of the Jewish (Hasmonean) rulers of Judea. Josephus Flavius recorded much of this dark time in his "Antiquities of the Jews," revealing that they were often their own worst enemies.

I see little in the guerilla warfare of the Maccabees to compare with the historical period of Gideon's life. Gideon was divinely directed. He was limited by Yahweh to an army of 300 men. Yahweh slew 120,000 enemy soldiers in one night by sending confusion among them. Gideon then pursued the remaining army of 15,000 with his 300 men and completely routed them. For 40 years following this success Israel knew peace from its enemies.

After the Maccabean revolt, little changed politically, and the Jews were still under the thumb of the Syrians until they were replaced by Roman rule.

I am uncertain what you mean when you say that Hanukkah "is what we make of it." It shares a great many aspects of the sun worship found in surrounding nations. It was established at the time of the winter solstice. Its traditions are based upon fables. It is my judgment that it does not merit to be placed alongside the Feasts ordained by Yahweh.

By: Angela

Angela — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 07:19:14 +0000

Hello Joseph,
I by no means desire to defend Hanukkah, it is what we make of it. But I believe it is important to remember that Yahweh is faithful even when we are not. Those days were dark as these days are, but Yahweh had a plan. He preserved his people in order to bring forth the Messiah from those people. The story reminds me Gideon. And I believe it is a story that will be repeated in our lifetime.

By: John

John — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 03:19:27 +0000

Good word, Brother Joseph. Thank you.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 02:39:21 +0000

Mr. Herrin,
This was a good and thorough word. Thanks for taking the time to post it. I plan on sharing with friends and family! The Holy Spirit has really been answering a lot of prayers for me lately in that I have prayed and asked to be shown what is/is not pleasing to HIM. Amen!
Peace,
Deirdre

By: Latter Days Ministry

Latter Days Ministry — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 15:58:38 +0000

Thank you for this Brother Joseph!