When the Jewish people won their freedom from the oppression of Antiochus Epiphanes, they were eager to set things right and purify God’s dwelling place.
But they didn’t have enough oil to sustain the Temple lampstand for the eight days required to make and consecrate more. God stepped in with His divine power. He took what they had and enlarged it. He received their “not enough” – offered in faith and reverence – and He made it enough.
God does the same with us. Though we could never be enough on our own, as we place our faith in Yeshua’s sacrifice on our behalf, God declares us righteous. He has redeemed and given us eternal life. But in our own strength, we remain inadequate, not clean or able enough, and sometimes not even willing enough. But when we humbly and sincerely dedicate our short supply to God, He takes it and works miracles with it. He uses us. He ministers to others and glorifies Himself through us.
On this fifth night of Chanukah, we give thanks to God who so generously multiplies our small offerings to accomplish His will in and through us.
Messianic Jewish Chanukah Blessings
Place five candles in the chanukiah tonight, setting them in the holders from right to left. As you light the Servant Candle (Shamash), recite the Chanukah blessings:
Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and has given us Yeshua the Messiah, the light of the world.
Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who has performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time.
Candle Lighting
Using the Servant Candle, light the Chanukah candles in the opposite direction from which you placed them in the holders. Light them from left to right. Return the Shamash to its place. Let the candles go out on their own, and they should burn for a least half an hour.
Scripture Readings
“ 'There’s a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish – but what’s that for so many?’ Then Yeshua picked up the loaves. And having given thanks, He distributed bread to everyone who was reclining. He did the same with the fish, as much as they wanted. So they gathered [the leftovers] and filled 12 baskets…” (John 6:9, 11, 13 TLV).
“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of the Messiah may dwell in me” (2 Corinthians 12:9 TLV).
“Now to Him who is able to do far beyond all that we ask or imagine, by means of His power that works in us, to Him be the glory in the community of believers and in Messiah Yeshua throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21 TLV).
Prayer
Our all-sufficient God, You are so good! Thank You for intervening to save us through Your Son, Messiah Yeshua. Thank You for taking our offerings of faith and multiplying them. Take our “not enough” and use it for Your Kingdom and Your glory.
