Did you know you have a spiritual heritage of dedication? The Hebraic month of Kislev is a time to unlock this heritage so you can cast away darkness by the light of Jesus. Here’s how…
As the days grow colder and darker, they can leave us with meandering thoughts—thoughts that shift our focus from our devotion of and dedication to the Lord to our seasonal to-do lists.
As we celebrate this holiday season, the theme of light emerges. We light candles to commemorate and dedicate a moment in time to remember the miracle that God gave us in Jesus the Messiah, and His faithful provision.
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life'” (John 8:12, NKJV).
We can see God’s provision granted to those who remain dedicated to Him throughout our faith’s history. As many know, the month of Kislev includes the Feast of Dedication, or Hanukkah.
Jesus Himself, the light of the world, is recorded as being at the temple in Jerusalem and walking in Solomon’s Porch during the Feast of Dedication:
“Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s Porch” (John 10:22-23).
The Light During Kislev
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish celebration that commemorates God’s miracle of provision as He led the Maccabean army through several battles. They eventually defeated Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Greek Seleucid (Syrian) ruler, though outnumbered and overpowered. What a mighty sign of God’s faithfulness!
During the battles, the Syrians set up idols and desecrated the temple. Three years to the day from when the temple was desecrated—on the 24th of Kislev, 165 B.C.—the Maccabees, and those who fought with them, cleansed and rededicated it to the Lord.
The heritage of dedication runs deep within our spiritual roots.
How Are the Month of Kislev and Your Heritage of Dedication Connected?
The well-known Hanukkah story is only one picture of God’s faithfulness. We see the Lord’s faithfulness displayed throughout the Bible over and over again. In fact, the month of Kislev is associated with the Hebrew letter SAMEKH, which symbolizes support, trust and faithfulness.
The month of Kislev begins on Nov. 28 and ends on Dec. 27 this year, 2019, on the Gregorian calendar. This month is a time to ask the Spirit to guard your thoughts against distractions and to walk in your heritage of dedication.
In our spiritual heritage is the act of dedication. As born-again believers, we’ve dedicated our lives to the Lord. This is a picture of our covenant relationship. Just as a marriage ceremony is about a husband and wife dedicating themselves to each other, our faith is about dedicating and trusting the work Jesus did at the cross so that we can enter into a covenant relationship with the Father.
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How to Activate Your Heritage of Dedication by Trusting God’s Faithfulness
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Ps. 37:3-4).
This passage in the Psalms reminds us that trusting, waiting on, and committing your ways to the Lord will align your heart with His. As a result, your righteousness will be brought forth as the light (see Ps. 37:6).
Understand That Trust and Light Go Together
When we seek the heart of God and trust in His faithfulness, we will walk in the light. We cannot have one without the other. Kislev is a time to show great confidence in the Lord and trust God to another level of faith.
Ask the Lord to Increase Your Trust
To activate your heritage of dedication, trust that the Lord wants only the best for you. Believe that His plans for you are always good according to Jeremiah 29:11. Bless Him and forget not all His benefits (Ps. 103:2).
Ask the Lord for Increased Knowledge
When we see through the eyes of our Lord, we see our inheritance. We gain clarity and knowledge. We can release any and all offenses that we’ve held in our hearts and walk in peace. Hosea 4:6a says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Ask the Lord for His knowledge and strength so the darkness is flooded by His light.
Understanding the Hebraic roots of our faith helps us connect to our Creator and walk on the divine path He has established for each of us. We each connect to our identity and purpose when we discover the depth and mystery of the covenant relationship God calls us to be a part of.
Though this may feel like a season of warfare for some of you, remain faithful to the Lord, as He is faithful and trustworthy. Keep your spiritual light burning. Come into agreement with the Lord so any darkness that tries to attach to you will be removed by the light of His presence.
“Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments” (Deut. 7:9).
I want to encourage you to refocus and embrace the heritage of dedication that is yours as you light a candle during this season. Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) gave us the fire of the Holy Spirit so that we will no longer wander in darkness, and instead have clarity of direction for our purpose. Use the month of Kislev to rededicate your mind, will, and emotions to the Lord.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom.12:1).
Get the Book on the Jewish Roots That Everyone’s Talking About HERE!
Unlocking the Jewish roots of your Christian faith allows you to see what God has for you and hear His voice more clearly. Learn how these roots were removed from the church and reclaim your inheritance today. {eoa}
Curt Landry, founder of Curt Landry Ministries, and his wife, Christie, travel extensively, preaching and teaching about the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. Together, their passion is to empower families to live and leave kingdom legacies and understand their own personal heritage. Click here to get the book on the Jewish roots that everyone’s talking about!
Billy Hallowell 
Shawn Akers 
James Lasher