“In many ways, success has been the greatest enemy of the church, because we have tried to use the power plays of the world to promote the Messiah. One of the sure signs we’re missing him is when our methods match the machination of worldly rulers.”- Kyle Idleman and Mark E. Moore
In today’s blog, Kyle Idleman and Mark E. Moore talk about the second major moment in history that shaped Jewish messianic hopes. The Maccabean Revolt.
2. Seeking a National Hero. Around 167 BC, a particularly brutal ruler named Antiochus IV Epiphanes conquered Jerusalem. Determined to eradicate Judaism, he burst into Jerusalem. Then, as the ultimate insult, Antiochus sacrificed a pig in their sacred place of worship. In addition, he started a campaign to kill any Jew who refused to worship his pagan gods.
However, in the small town of mo-din, a bit northwest of Jerusalem, one priest, Mattathias, declared: “Not on my watch!” He then killed the soldiers who forced his people to worship idols. And against all odds, the revolt succeeded.
Consequently, the Maccabean Revolt turned the Messiah into an apocalyptic hero. But, in an ironic twist, the descendants of those freedom fighters morphed into the very kind of corrupt leaders their forefathers rebelled against.
As a result, this greed plunged the nation into a civil war. So, they enlisted outside help to settle the dispute. But that “help” came from Roman general Pompey– with strings attached. The price? A total loss of independence.
Hence, Kyle and Mark apply this lesson to modern churches:
“The echoes of the Hasmonaean Dynasty can be heard in the halls of many modern churches. Religious leaders have used their positions and power to perpetuate their own agendas. The rise of the Western church has brought with it attempts to dominate those who disagree with our doctrines and social values.”
Today’s question: What do you see as the greatest enemy of the church? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Lip service to our moral values?”