Judea Expressed Gratitude

Synopsis     1Maccabees 14:24-37     3/9/2021 

As a gesture of goodwill, Simon sent a valuable golden shield to Rome. His intent was to affirm the Jewish commitment to their alliance. At the same time, it was part of a request from Simon that the Romans warn Israel’s regional adversaries against attack. 

Meanwhile, the Jews in Jerusalem made an inscribed bronze tablets commemorating Simon and the Maccabees. The tablet was a memorial that celebrated all that had been accomplished during Israel’s fight for independence from Syria.   

Judea Expressed Gratitude 

The Jews celebrated Israel’s peace and prosperity. And they acknowledged the Maccabees for facilitating their success. So, even though only Simon survived, the memorial recognized the contribution of Mattathias, Judas, John and Jonathan as well.  

Express Gratitude 

Entitlement is an expectation grounded in the belief that I am owed.  

But gratitude expresses the spontaneous realization that everything I have is a gift.  

“It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praise to your name, Most High. To proclaim your love at daybreak, your faithfulness in the night, With the ten-stringed harp, with melody upon the lyre. For you make me jubilant, LORD, by your deeds; at the works of your hands I shout for joy.” Psa 92:1-3