Each morning I spend time in the Word. I read scripture, pray and sometimes journal about my reflections. This morning, I read today’s readings from the Catholic missal – the daily bible readings that Catholics all over the world are called to study and reflect upon.
My personal study is rarely limited to the prescribed verses. I generally start there and let the reflection lead me to further teaching. Often as I study one bit of scripture, I find myself recalling another and the lesson often hits hard – right when and where I need it. Such was the case this morning.
I was reading in 2 Maccabees the story of Eleazar, an elderly Jewish scribe who willingly accepted torture rather than eat unlawful meat that was literally being forced into his mouth.
“…he spat out the meat, and went forward of his own accord to the instrument of torture, as people ought to do who have courage to reject the food which is unlawful to taste even for love of life”
Like other noble men of the bible, Eleazar not only suffered at the hand of his oppressor but even his friends turned on him. They told him he should pretend to eat the meat of the sacrifice and avoid death.
Eleazar knew better. He explained:
“Should I thus pretend for the sake of a brief moment of life, young people would be led astray by me, while I would bring shame and dishonor on my old age. Even if, for the time being, I avoid the punishment of men, I shall never, whether alive or dead, escape the hands of the Almighty.”
I’m ashamed to say I’ve often been like a friend of Eleazar, willing people to ease up on their conviction for the sake of a quick peace or worse yet, my personal comfort. But who is served when we compromise on God’s law?
We all know the answer.
Thankfully, our most gracious and loving God has already provided us the courage and strength we need to face our own Eleazar moments. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us:
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and self-control.”
Struggling and suffering for what is right and honorable comes in countless forms. Neither standing up for convictions, nor sitting a child down for discipline is likely to win you popularity in this world. But we are not of this world. If we call ourselves Christians, we belong to the Kingdom of God and are expected to find our conviction and courage in Him.
As I was thinking about my personal struggle to be more like Eleazar and less like his friends, I was reminded of a verse I recently added to my little brown book of The Word, Psalm 119:71.
“It is good for me that I was afflicted that I might learn your statutes.”
The Word of God never fails to teach those who seek its wisdom. I’m so grateful for today’s lesson; grateful even for my struggles; grateful that I am learning. I hope in some small way, by sharing my thoughts, you are learning too and drawing ever closer to the Lord.
Peace be with you.