Maccabeus Focused Attention

Synopsis     1Maccabees 4:28-43     1/7/2021 

Although vastly outnumbered, Judas Maccabeus defeated Lysias’ forces led by Gorgias and Ptolemy. So, the following year, Lysias invaded a second time with an even bigger army. And despite the enemies superior force, Judas prayed to God for victory. And then, the Jews defeated the army.  

After this defeat, the invaders withdrew from the region. And then, Lysias began the search for mercenaries that might be more successful against the Jews.

As a result, Judas took the opportunity to rededicate the temple. As his forces returned to Jerusalem, he tasked some of the warriors with attacking the citadel the foreigners had built in the City of David.

But he tasked the priests and Levites with cleaning and restoring the temple.  So, Judas’ men repaired the temple. And they replaced the altar of sacrifice because the gentiles had defiled it.   

Judas Maccabeus 

In Hebrew, Maccabee means “Hammer”. Judas received this nick-name because he was so aggressive in battle. He consistently led his men to great victories by concentrating his forces and ruthlessly attacking his targets.  

Focused Concentration 

The ability to deliberately focus attention may be the greatest single key to successful decision-making.  

One of the best ways to grow closer to God and increase your capacity for deliberately focusing attention is some form of silent prayer.  

“But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.” Matt 6:6