Alcimus Leveraged Religion

Synopsis     1Maccabees 7:16-35     1/26/2021 

King Demetrius ruled the Syrian empire. Soon after he became king, he appointed Alcimus as be High Priest in Jerusalem. And, he sent Bacchides, a military officer, to enforce the appointment.  

As High Priest, Alcimus used his authority to take advantage of the people. And so, Judas Maccabeus soon opposed him. Specifically, he made it impossible for those men taking advantage of the people to safely travel from one town to another. As a result, Alcimus fled Jerusalem and returned to King Demetrius to complain about Maccabeus.  

King Demetrius sent a ruthless governor named Nicanor to fight Judas and his brothers. However, Nicanor was unable to stop Judas militarily. So, he went to the temple. And he demanded that they give Judas Maccabeus to him as a prisoner. If they failed his demand, he threatened the destroy the temple.  

Leveraging Religion 

The Law of Moses made provision for the priests and the Levites whose work was to minister in the temple. As recipient of the tithe, they received a substantial income for their efforts.  

But Alcimus used his position as High Priest in order to take advantage of the people. His sin was similar to to sons of Eli, who used their position to take more than the portion God had assigned to priests. And they also used their position to gain inappropriate power and pleasures from the people. 

A Worker Worth His Wage 

God calls me to be content with what He provides. So, true freedom means embracing His will by eliminating the expectation that what He has given will always be pleasant.. And this alone allows God’s purpose to work in me and through me.  

“But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.” Matt 20:25-27