Scripture Daily

Context No. 3646 of 4322 · 1 Maccabees

Context · Reflection

1 Maccabees 3:54-60: in context

54They sounded with the trumpets, and gave a loud shout. 55And after this Judas appointed leaders of the people: captains of thousands, captains of hundreds, captains of fifties, and captains of tens. 56He said to those who were building houses, were betrothing wives, were planting vineyards, and were fearful, that they should return, each man to his own house, according to the law. 57The army marched out and encamped upon the south side of Emmaus. 58Judas said, “Arm yourselves and be valiant men! Be ready in the morning to fight with these Gentiles who are assembled together against us to destroy us and our holy place. 59For it is better for us to die in battle than to see the calamities of our nation and the holy place. 60Nevertheless, as may be the will in heaven, so shall he do.

As Judas prepares his outnumbered army for battle, two things stand out. First, following the law of Moses, he sends home those who were fearful, or newly married, or had just built a house or planted a vineyard, so that only the willing and ready remain. God's battles are not fought by the reluctant or the distracted, but by those wholly committed.

And second, Judas's own resolve and trust: it is better for us to die in battle than to see the calamity of our nation and the holy place; nevertheless, as is the will of heaven, so shall he do. Here is courage joined to submission. Judas is ready to give his life for his people and for God's honor, and yet he leaves the outcome entirely to God's will. This is the shape of faithful courage: whole commitment, a willingness to sacrifice, and a final surrender of the result to God. Not my will, but God's, even in the face of battle and death.

Am I wholly committed to what God calls me to, ready even to sacrifice, while surrendering the outcome entirely to his will, as Judas did?

Sources