Bible Feasts – Torah Is

Eight Real Miracles Of Hanukkah

Published on December 8, 2023 by PaulBassLeave a comment

YHWH is a miracle working God.

It’s my dream that Hanukkah should become a regular time of harmony between Jews and Non-Jewish people.
Paul Bass – A Grafted-In Follower of The Jewish Messiah

Hint: It’s About More Than Candles

In the same way that we can forget the true meaning of our favorite holiday, Hanukkah can suffer from losing focus. If you are a follower of Jesus, you will recognize the phrase, “Jesus is the Reason For The Season.”

Would it surprise you if I told you that He is also the reason for the season of Hanukkah? I think you would agree that we were created by a miracle working God. If you have ever read the Gospels you were treated to many miracles throughout the life of the Savior.

There are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they would all be written, I suppose that even the world itself wouldn’t have room for the books that would be written.
John 21:25

I know that most Christians do not celebrate Hanukkah. I also know that, for those who do, there is much to learn. There is so much that many of your Jewish friends do not get through all the miracles that surround the celebration of eight nights that comes along every winter (Kislev 25).

Do a YouTube search for Hanukkah videos and you will no doubt find a few “explainer videos” and puppet videos (including Sesame Street muppets) that tell you about the tradition of the “Miracle of Oil.” This pertains to a supernatural burning of oil for eight days while someone was traveling to get replacement oil for the newly dedicated Temple lamp.

Did This Happen In Real Life?

Well…

The earliest recorded account of the oil miracle appears in the Talmud, about 600 years after the events described in the Books of the Maccabees. The Talmud is a collection of rabbinic discussions, debates, insights, historical accounts and legends. It is not the inspired Word of God. Some Talmudic teachings can be spiritually edifying but others clearly are not. Therefore, while traditional Judaism generally regards the Hanukkah oil story as accepted fact, it should not be given the same weight as Scripture. What Scripture does strongly suggest about Hanukkah (“Feast of Dedication”) is that Yeshua observed it along with the other Jews of His day. The direct reference to Messiah at Hanukkah reflects a degree of New Covenant significance for believers today. (John 10:22-23)
LightofZion.org

So, the story is nice and all… but there is some real meat in the books of I and II Maccabees, and some pretty big miracles. There are good miracles, like Gideon-like victories, and judgement related miracles, like Miriam’s sudden leprosy. They may not take up all the books on the shelf, but there is definitely room for more discussion on the Real Miracles of Hanukkah.

That is why I write this for you.

It’s my dream that Hanukkah should become a regular time of harmony between Jews and Non-Jewish people. I think it’s time. I can point you to the testimonies of Jesus (which would be His miracles) and you can decide from there. You can determine whether the Festival of Dedication, which is important for every Jewish person in existence, can be equally important for you if you love God AND His chosen seed of Abraham.

Make a special note of themes which actually connect the religious observance of the Advent and birth of the Messiah. You will hear of prophecy, angels, signs and more.

Join me next for the first of the Eight Real Miracles of Hanukkah.

It’s OK To Say “Happy Hanukkah.”

Published on December 14, 2022December 14, 2022 by PaulBassLeave a comment

The miracles we miss are the ones we choose to ignore.

I used to work for a ministry that did good work in helping to defend the rights of Christians to express their faith during December. In a time when many people were seeing their nativity scenes taken down, this ministry stood up and rallied the troops to defend the right to display baby Jesus.

You have probably seen their buttons and their bumper stickers displayed proudly during the Christmas season. Some people just keep the stickers and magnets up all year. When I see that, I can just about guess if that person has a few lights still dangling off the side of their roof. Why take ’em down, right? Just unplug them until November… Or October, maybe?

Who Took My Baby Jesus?

When we visited the Sight and Sound Theater in Branson, MO a few years ago, we had a baby doll thief in our midst. Our own baby, looked at the Life sized nativity scene and saw a baby doll which just so happened to be portraying the Christ Child in a manger. As we were walking about, waiting the next play performance, I noticed our little girl (about age 2) was clinging to baby Jesus – swaddling cloths and all. She had helped herself to the doll. Quickly I rescued the plastic baby from her clutches and tried to slip it/him back in the authentic feeding trough.

Well, ever since I started celebrating Hanukkah, many Christians have looked at me as if I were a baby Jesus thief. Not kidding. It’s essentially the most popular reaction from fellow Christians.

I once remained silent in a room with a small group of Christian leaders. These ministers were belly aching over retail companies acknowledging Hanukkah during December. They were upset at the concept of advertising and in-store graphics which included greetings that said something other than the sacred words “merry” and “Christmas.” Not all of them were angry, but none of them acted as if Hanukkah was a real thing.

Sometimes the zeal for Christmas convinces me all the more for the case for Hanukkah. Many consider it another Kwanzaa, or at least, a substitute Christmas. The fact is Hanukkah was here first. I suggest that if we are convinced of our holidays, other people must be equally excited during their festivities.

If people take offense when people say, “Happy Holidays,” I want to ask them why their Christmas is not considered by them to be “holy.” One should accept tidings of good will, right? The Golden rule of holidays should be, “do unto others’ not-mass as you would have them do to your Christ-mass.”

Replacement Feast-ology

Hanukkah itself was about the rededication of the temple. This happened after biblical feasts and practices were replaced with those of the pagan dictator.

After the cleaning project was completed, the people of God fortified the temple and city and drove out the bad guys.

The maccabees did NOT go to Greece and take away their practices.

If you are happy with your celebration, with your sacred times, maybe you should enjoy them and “be ye firmly convinced in your heart.”

The point is this. If we are free to celebrate and wish people well, then others must be free to do the same. If not, then it’s just a matter of war. Then, eventually one side wins.

At that point, maybe Christmas is king. Maybe Hanukkah. Or maybe some kind of winter solstice observance, who knows?

We Need A Little Hanukkah

So, this year, if you have a nativity play and exchange gifts in the name of Christmas, maybe it would benefit everyone if you add a little Hanukkah education to your December of joy. After all, you may actually discover eternal truths as you kindle the lamp of reverence in your heart toward God and His chosen people.

While bad actors want all the “Christ” out of Christmas, that’s not a “Jewish conspiracy.” Mean people are just mean. Not everyone who celebrates something other than Christmas wants to steal your Baby Jesus.

The evil emperor Antiochus Epiphanies tried to steal baby Jesus by killing away Jews and replacing the sacred lamp of God with a statue of a pagan deity.

The Jews Survived

And Jesus was born. So, if you like to celebrate that, you should welcome the special time of Hanukkah, as Jesus did in John 10.

Enjoy this opportunity to rededicate your heart (the temple of the Holy Spirit) and proclaim the testimony of the miracles that Jesus performed for you and all of the family of God.

Happy Holiday! Or Holidays, if you have more days than one.

I leave you with a link to this movie. This is a good one. If you want an example of how people can respect each other’s observations during the holidays, this will do the trick. I have watched it twice already. It’s family friendly, but beware. There is a shooting depicted near the beginning of the hour-long film.

Esther – A Purim Play

Published on March 16, 2022November 29, 2022 by PaulBassLeave a comment

This is an updated version of our radio drama, designed to be read from script at Purim parties. Download and feel free to use. Please do not publish or post as your own. If you have any suggested edits, leave us a comment below.

Click Here To Download Your Own Copy Of The Esther Radio Play

https://runtotorah.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Esthers-Play-2022.pdf

Keep Up The Intensity – Hanukkah 8

Published on December 7, 2021November 30, 2022 by PaulBassLeave a comment

This is my eighth and final post for Hanukkah this year. Hanukkah is over for most people but the fight goes on. We can learn so much from history. The relationship between God’s people and the nations is worthy of visiting on a regular basis.

Until that final victory of Messiah and His kingdom, the battle remains. You may see echoes of the past in your current country, or your current community. How will you react? Will you cower in fear? Or will you stand with your weapons and fight? Is God calling you to protect or to flee into the mountains and regroup?

Antiochus Epiphanes’ son was a hooligan too. Antiochus Eupator was his name. For a short time he hired Ptolemy Macron, who was gracious to the people of God. But he was soon slandered and removed.

Gorgias was not gorgeous in his handling of Judea. He took up arms against the people of Judea.

Don’t just stand there.

Judah Maccabee and his men moved forward in battle to the Idumean fortress.

The battle was going well and Judah and some of his men left to attend to other matters while his captains carried on at the fortress.

There was a little bribery involved and some of these Israelites allowed some of these Idumeans to escape.

When Judah came back, they finished the job on the city and eliminated the traitors. Judah, by the grace of God, was successful in all war related efforts.

An officer named Timothy brought many horses from Asia and many troops in an effort to punish the people of Israel.

Prayer is a weapon

The people of God humbled themselves on the ground with ashes and prayer.

and falling down opposite the foundation of the altar, they begged God to be gracious to them, to be hostile to those hostile to them, and to be an opponent of their opponents, just as the Law promises.
2 Maccabees 10:26

to be hostile to those hostile to them, and to be an opponent of their opponents
Citizens of Israel

The Israelites went to battle trusting in God while the Greeks were driven by rage.

Soon, five hosts of heaven, mounted on horses, joined in the fight. Two of them surrounded Judah Maccabees, completely shielding him from harm. They shot arrows and thunder bolts into the enemy army. The wicked warriors were thrown into blindness and confusion. They soon attempted to flee in terror.

They were defeated. Over 21,000 were cut down. Timothy fled to the town which was held by his brother Chaerea.

They held off the Maccabees for four days and began to get cocky. They shouted profane words at the soldiers of Israel. Ten of the Maccabees reached their boiling point and they charged. While they attacked the tower, the rest of them crashed the gate.

the gates of Sheol will not subdue it.
Matt. 16:18

The Pitts

Timothy, Chareas, and another fellow were found crouched and hiding in a cistern.

There were more battles to win. The temple of God was safe as long as it was kept Holy. The warfare was real. It took more than just cleaning it out. God’s people had to fortify it and advance to charge to clean out the surrounding strongholds of the enemy.

Where are those strongholds in your life? Has your Temple been defiled? If so, have you cleansed it. It’s not enough to simply invite Jesus in and leave it at that. The victory is more detailed. You are to fulfill your destiny. You are a warrior in the Kingdom of Almighty YHWH.

Have Faith

God’s presence is with you and his angels do surround you. But not if you are taking the bribe of the enemy.

Keep the walls firm. Take care of the widows and orphans as you keep your guard up at all times. The battle is not yours to fight alone and the battle will be won, but not by you alone.

Hanukkah 7 – Dedication

Published on December 6, 2021November 30, 2022 by PaulBassLeave a comment

With divine guidance, Judah and his companions advanced on Jerusalem and the Temple. They gained control back from the Greeks.

Clean

They cleansed the Temple by getting rid of all the unclean and profane items. What have you eaten, or watched, or listened to that is unclean? Have you tried a detox? Have you fasted? Have you deleted that app or channel on your Roku player?

Anoint

They replaced the altars and the utensils and anointed them for use in the Temple. They started animal sacrifices and incense offerings. The sacred loaves of bread were added. I like to remember that the bread of life, the Messiah himself, identified as the Messiah and great shepherd in this very temple, during this very time of year, over 150 years later.

Pray

The people all prayed that God would have mercy on them and never allow that depth of punishment again.

Celebrate

On the anniversary of the temple’s defilement, Kislev 25, they rededicated the Temple of God. They celebrated for 8 days in the tradition of Sukkot.

On the anniversary of the temple’s defilement by foreigners, on that very day, the sanctuary was purified, on the 25th of the month, which is Kislev.
2 Maccabees 10:5

During the previous Sukkot, they were dwelling in caves in the mountains. Now, they were celebrating with wands made of Ivy, branches, and palm fronds.

Today, we do as they did and celebrate with singing and dancing.

Hanukkah was a gift and not a statute. It was proclaimed for a remembrance each year.

Glory to the Almighty Elohim.

Hanukkah 6 – The Antichrist Falls

Published on December 5, 2021November 30, 2022 by PaulBassLeave a comment

David said that he would not glory in the defeat of his enemies but would glorify God because His justice has prevailed.

It is hard to hold back. It’s just impossible not to chuckle when we read the layers of retribution that Antiochus would finally experience. It’s graphic. It’s smelly. And everyone is glad it’s not them.

This is where the words of the seven brothers come true. Their prophecy is noted, and the lesson is learned.

Persepolis

Antiochus attempted to raid a temple in Persepolis. In this town, the people took up arms and pulled a Maccabean style stand. The big man was humiliated.

He heard about the major defeat of Nicanor and he became enraged. He got a notion to go beat up some Jews. “Drive,” he said to his charioteer. He told him not to stop until they reach Jerusalem.

He had said in his arrogance, “When I get to Jerusalem, I will turn it into a mass grave for the Jews.”
2 Maccabees 9:4

As soon as he said this God struck him with sickness to his stomach and intestines. This just made him more urgent to get to Jerusalem.

He ordered the driver to speed up. This didn’t help the situation, because Antiochus flopped out of the chariot. He was now confined to a stretcher.

As he got more sickly, worms made their way out of his eyes. His body began to literally rot and the smell was so bad, the whole camp smelled like, well… him.

Here he was, the man who had once said he could touch the stars, could not even get close enough to actually touch anyone due to his ripe and nasty stench.

He was losing his arrogance. He was devastated and quite aware of the punishing hand of God upon his body. By this time, he could not even stand his own stink.

“It is fair to submit to God and for humans to stop thinking that they are God’s equals.”
2 Maccabees 9:12

Repulsive & Remorseful

This repulsive man, on his way to destroy Jerusalem, began to be Repentant. He made promises to God to make things better. He would:

He would declare Jews as equal to Athenian Greeks (even though he had considered them worthy of birdseed and the babies as wild animal food.)
He would restore the Temple to better than he found it when he ransacked it.
He would provide the necessary funds for all the sacrifices.
He would become a Jew.
He would go on a tent revival tour and proclaim that God is powerful.

An appeal to the people.

His next act would be a letter to soften the people of Israel.To the worthy Jewish citizens, from the king and governor Antiochus. Greetings and health and prosperity.If you are in good health and your children and affairs are prospering, I give thanks to God with great joy, having hope in heaven,remembering with affection your honor and goodwill. After returning from Persia and falling ill, which created a serious situation, I regarded it as necessary to think of the common safety of all the people.I haven’t abandoned my situation as hopeless but rather hold on to hope that I might recover from the illness.I have also considered, however, that my father (on the occasions when he fought in the upper regions) used to appoint a successor to rule.He did this so that if anything should happen contrary to expectation or even if there should be some unwelcome news, people throughout the country would know that someone was left behind to govern and wouldn’t be deprived of their peace of mind.Moreover, observing how neighboring dynasties and kingdoms wait for the right moment and look forward with anticipation to what might happen next, I appoint my son Antiochus as king. Many times when I had to hurry to the upper provinces, I entrusted and commended him to most of you. I have written these orders to him as well.I call on you then, and request each one of you—remembering my benefits both public and private—to be faithful toward me and my son.I firmly believe he will follow my example closely, acting with kindness and generosity, with the intention of accommodating himself to you.
2 Maccabees 9:19-27

He died. Alone, in the mountains, with his own stench.

Hanukkah 5 – The Hammer

Published on December 3, 2021November 30, 2022 by PaulBassLeave a comment

Judah and his men were living in the wilderness. It was time to take back the country.

6,000 Against The World

They began to recruit more followers of YHWH. They found 6,000 who were still faithful.

Once organized, Judah and his army were unstoppable. The hand of God was with them as He began to show mercy on them.

Often at night, they would raid the cities. Their courage became known throughout the land.

Nicanor and 20,000 men were sent to wipe out all of Judea. Word was sent out that one could join him and receive 90 Jewish servants for 57 lbs of silver.

Different Weapons

Judah told his warriors, “They rely on weapons and daring, but we trust in the almighty God, who is able to strike down with a single nod, those who are coming against us.”

He divided his army into 4 parts. He led his group of 1,500 on an attack of Nicanor and slayed 9,000 men, and injured more. They even confiscated the very funds that were intended for their sale into slavery. They distributed to the ones who had endured torture, as well as the widows and orphans.

Then they defeated and killed 20,000. Nicanor lost all his men. Stripped of his armor, he returned to Antioch, humiliated.

His report to Antiochus was that the Jews could not be defeated because they follow God’s laws.

How do you think the Anti-christ took that statement?

Faithful followers of YHWH defeated an army 6 times larger. Then they were outnumbered again and defeated 20,000 troops.

Another miracle of God’s might and His grace over his beloved.