Leaders Empowered Simon

Synopsis     1Maccabees 14:38-15:6     3/10/2021 

Conclusion of the Jewish celebration of Simon’s glory on tablets.  

Elders and Jewish leaders met in an assembly. And there, they permanently conferred authority for Simon to lead the nation. They codified this authority by writing down the extent of his powers on bronze tablets. And they hung these near the temple on Mount Zion.  

At this time, Trypho ruled over the Syrian Empire. King Demetrius died in battle when he took his army into Persia. But his son lived in exile on eastern Mediterranean Islands. His name was Antiochus.  

So, after his father’s death, Antiochus declared himself king. And he wrote to Simon concerning his plan to return to Syria and rule in his father’s place. In this letter, Antiochus affirmed Simon as the leader of Judea and granted greater levels of sovereignty.   

Leaders Empowered Simon 

Political power in a social contract community depends entirely on the community. And Simon was empowered by the will of the leaders of the community.  

Transcendent Authority Comes from God Alone 

But transcendent authority comes from God alone.  

When Jesus walked on the earth, he was often asked by what authority he acted. And His response always pointed to God the Father. He said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, a son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees his father doing; for what he does, his son will do also. (John 5:19) 

So, the authority I have on earth is entirely dependent on the attention I pay to what God is doing. And, on my willingness to do likewise. 

“But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8