For it is better for us to die in war than to look upon the evils the Gentiles would bring to us and the sanctuary. But as God’s will is in heaven, so He will do.

Personal Challenge…

One of the things that I am reminded of when I read much of the Old Testament is how God calls His people to be militant for Him, for His truth, for His chosen people (His bride). If we temper this with Jesus’ teachings of loving our enemy, loving our neighbor, and doing all that we do to glorify the Father, we come up with a very special form of militance that we are called to. Am I ready to enter into war against those things that tear down God’s kingdom here on earth and yet fight the battle in a spirit of love? This war is not against politicians that I disagree with, or social demographics that I don’t like, but against the lies and strongholds of my true enemy, the devil. This battle starts in my own soul and expands from there. I am called to fight His good fight and trust that the outcome is in His hands. It may not always turn out my way, but it is His way, His will on earth as it is in heaven that really counts.

Therefore, children, be zealous for the law, and offer your lives for the covenant of our fathers; and remember the deeds our fathers did in their generations, and receive great honor and an everlasting name.

Personal Challenge…

In the day of the Maccabees all that the Israelites believed and stood for was being desiccated and destroyed. Here we have a band of believers who decide to stand up for their God and His precepts. Should we not do the same for our Lord today? It has nothing to do with politics or societal issues, but everything to do with living our lives for Him as Christians, defending the faith and proclaiming the truth of His Bride, the Church. In order to do this though we must know those truths, know our traditions, know our God, and keep fighting His good fight.

Now my brothers, let us set an example for our people, for their very lives depend upon us. Furthermore, the sanctuary, the temple, and the altar rest upon us. Besides all this, let us be thankful to the Lord our God, who is testing us just as He did our fathers.

Personal Challenge…

Does what I do as a Christian really matter? Absolutely! As an individual, and more importantly as a member of a community, it is extremely critical that I live my life in a godly, righteous, God-centered way. The lives of those around me depend upon this. For those who are already in the family of God it helps them to live their lives in godly, righteous, and God-centered ways. For those who are not it can be a witness to them and possibly by the grace of God draw them into His family. The church and her future, her practices and traditions depend upon it to keep her pure and growing in Christ. Every one of us matter significantly in the eyes of God. Then, as tests and trials come our way we can withstand them and glorify our God.

Judith 8:17

Therefore, while we await His deliverance, let us call upon Him to help us, and if it pleases Him He will hear our voice.

Encouraging Words…

God protects His people from their enemies. He works in mysterious ways as evidenced throughout history through human beings, both evil and good, powerful and weak. The lesson in these readings teach us that our worship of God, our trust in Him, and our obedience to His commandments result in divine protection and salvation from our enemies, no matter how powerful they may seem to be. This may not play out the way that we would do it, but His ways are always better. Glory be to God! (Adapted from the Orthodox Study Bible chapter notes.)

“Now my lord and master, if there is any sin of ignorance in this people and they sin against their God, then we will identify their offense and will go up to defeat them. But if there is no lawlessness in their nation, then let my lord leave them alone, lest their Lord shield them, and their God defend them, and we will become a reproach before the whole earth.”

Personal Challenge…

The reputation of the God of Israel, our Lord and Savior, was profound in the day of Judith. He was the defender and protector of those who followed Him and obeyed Him. Can this be said of us today who proclaim Him as Lord? Is my life a beacon to those around me pointing to His glory and magnificence? Are our churches revered in this way by those who would attack and conquer us? God is constant, He continues to guard and protect His bride. He helps her to prosper…when she holds true to His precepts. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.