Maccabees

This week we are taking a little departure from our typical study. Next Sunday we will study the time frame between the Old and New Testaments. To prepare, we are reading 1 and 2 Maccabees our of the New American Bible version (used primarily by those in the Catholic Church). You can find the full text here. There are 31 chapters total in both books of Maccabees, so I'll just pull out a chapter or two per day.

Today, Read 1 Maccabees 1 and 2 (note -- two separate links to click).

Devotion -- 1 Maccabees 2:61-64
61 And so, consider this from generation to generation, that none who hope in him shall fail in strength. 62 Do not fear the words of a sinful man, for his glory ends in corruption and worms.
63 Today he is exalted, and tomorrow he is not to be found, because he has returned to his dust, and his schemes have perished. 64 Children! be courageous and strong in keeping the law, for by it you shall be glorified. (NAB)
taken from http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/

The first two chapters of this book detail a rebellion by the Jews, an alliance with the Gentiles, and an overthrow of Jerusalem by others who had formed a fake alliance with Israel. There are Jews who visibly throw away their heritage, joining up with Gentiles and killing any who cling to their faith. Others fight violently to maintain their heritage, going so far as to forcefully circumcize any boys or men in Jerusalem who had not yet been circumcized.

Those who would remain faithful move out of the city and form a camp in the desert. After a massacre on the Sabbath (because they refused to 'work' on the Holy Day), the remaining faithful Jews vow to fight for their rights.

Despite the fact that they are over 2000 years old, these words in today's text hold true today. Regardless of how powerful our role models, President, world leaders, or talk show hosts may be, any glory they seek for themselves will fade away. Same goes for us...even if none of us achieve power or fame, any thing we do that does not glorify God will turn to dust. Only those things that give him glory and implement his will shall remain for eternity.

So be courageous and strong! Stand firm to the end, and God will lift us up.