2 Maccabees 11:22-26: a reflection

22And the king’s letter contained these words: “King Antiochus to his brother Lysias, greetings. 23Seeing that our father passed to the gods having the wish that the subjects of his kingdom should be undisturbed and give themselves to the care of their own affairs, 24we, having heard that the Jews do not consent to our father’s purpose to turn them to the customs of the Greeks, but choose rather their own way of living, and make request that the customs of their law be allowed to them— 25choosing therefore that this nation also should be free from disturbance, we determine that their temple is to be restored to them, and that they live according to the customs that were in the days of their ancestors. 26You will therefore do well to send messengers to them and give them the right hand of friendship, that they, knowing our mind, may be of good heart, and gladly occupy themselves with the conduct of their own affairs.”

This passage records a royal letter in which a king, having heard that the Jewish people wished to keep their own laws and way of life rather than adopt foreign customs, grants them the freedom to do so and orders their temple restored. After a season of pressure and persecution, a door opens. The ruler decides that the people should be left in peace to worship and live according to their ancestors' customs, and he extends the hand of friendship.

Behind the dry official language is a real mercy. A people who had suffered for their faith are granted relief, their sacred place restored, their way of life honored. Those who know the larger story see God's hand in the turning of a ruler's heart. The same God who allowed a season of trial also brought a season of relief, working through the shifting decisions of kings to give his people space to worship him freely once again.

Seasons of pressure do not last forever, and God is able to turn the hearts of those in authority to grant relief, in his time. When you are under strain, whether opposition to your faith or hardship of another kind, remember that the God who permits the trial also sends the reprieve. Kings' hearts are in his hand. Keep faithful through the hard season, and trust that God can open doors of relief you did not expect, in ways that leave you free to worship him.

Lord, after a season of pressure your people were granted relief and freedom to worship you, as a ruler's heart was turned. When I am under strain, remind me that seasons of hardship do not last forever and that the hearts of those in authority are in your hand. Keep me faithful through the trial, and open, in your time, the doors of relief that let me worship you freely. Amen.