December 9 – Day 3
BACKGROUND: The oil to light the lampstand in the Temple was only enough for one day, and yet for eight days straight the light shone brightly in the Temple of God. That the oil lasted eight days is attributed to either the amount of time it would take to produce more pure oil - a four-day journey both directions or to the first celebration in the newly dedicated Temple - a observance of the Feast of Tabernacles that had passed during their oppression.
This was not the first miracle of oil the people of Israel would have known. Elisha encountered a widow who was broke and the creditors were on their way to take her sons as slaves. She had one meager jar of oil left. Elisha told her to go borrow jars from all her neighbors - "not a few". And when they'd gathered all they could, they came home and shut the door behind them. Elisha then took the jar of oil and filled every jar they'd gathered. When they ran out of jars, the oil stopped flowing. They then sold the oil and lived on the rest.
Surely this account was in their minds in the days of the Maccabees. Perhaps it gave them confidence to trust God for what they needed.
REFLECTION: Often, we find ourselves with a desire in our hearts that we have no idea how to perform, or in a situation when we feel helpless or hopeless to walk through. We know we have what we need to start, but don't know past today how it will work out. Like the Maccabees in the Temple, we have what we need for today, and that's all we need. Follow the Lord and obey today and seek Him again tomorrow for tomorrow's needs.
PRAY: Read 2Kings 4:1-7. Accept the grace for today and lean on the faithfulness of God. While watching your Hanukkah lights, ask the Lord to remind you of the ways He's helped you before and allow Him to give you faith for what you need today.