To the Jew First | 19
Hanukkah reminds us that God will perform what He has
promised. Every nation that has tried to destroy the Jewish
people has either been defeated or destroyed. This includes
Antiochus Epiphanies whom Judas Maccabee and his fellow
Israelites conquered in 165 BC.
God’s plan and purposes for Israel did not end at the cross. He
will be faithful to protect and preserve His ancient people until
every promise is fulfilled. His ancient people still have a role to
play in the drama of world redemption. What else could the
Apostle Paul mean in the following two verses except that God is
not finished with the Jewish people? “Now if their transgression
is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles,
how much more will their fulfillment be! For if their rejection is the
reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life
from the dead?” (Romans 11:12, 15).
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The Great Hallelujah
I am sure that Handel understood these promises of God as well.
The reason “The Messiah” concludes with the “Hallelujah Chorus”
is because the birth of the Messiah cannot be separated from
His Second Coming. He was born to die and He will come again
to rule. His work is not finished yet and neither is His plan and
purposes for the Jewish people.
As the Jewish people were central to His first coming, so the
Jewish people will be important to His Second Coming. He cannot
allow the Jewish people to be destroyed.
Christmas gives me the faith to look forward in hope, knowing
that He will be as faithful in fulfilling the promises tied to His
Second Coming.
That day will be the ultimate Hanukkah, the final day of deliverance
and dedication for the Jewish people. For in that day, an end-time
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