"Hanukkah 2014 – A Gateway to Miracles"
Kathi Pelton, Eugene, OR
The Elijah List
The Vision
On November 22, while I was sleeping on an airplane, I was taken into a dream-like vision that was very significant for this coming season. In the vision, I saw a calendar and the word "Hanukkah" written upon it (I did not see the actual dates; only the word). I was then lifted to a higher place in the spirit and I was aware of a deeper connection with Heaven than I had known previously. I realized I was responding to the "Come up here" invitation that God gives to each of us (Revelation 4:1).
Immediately I was standing before two large gates that were opening before me. As I looked, I realized that each gate was in the form of a menorah, and the path beyond the gates radiated light. Even though, in the vision, I did not pass through the gates, I was aware that soon I would do so. I then saw the number 16, but did not grasp its significance. I knew that as soon as I passed through the gates I would enter a season of supernatural miracles and natural victories. –End of vision.
Prelude to the Vision
Before I explain my sense regarding the vision, I should share what I have been experiencing the last few months. Lately I have been captivated by lanterns and the flickering of candlelight. I have felt a strong desire to buy lanterns to decorate our home, and even hung two on our outdoor entry that are lit each night with a candle.
I have learned through the years that often these captivations reflect more than my natural desire to decorate and create and enjoy beauty, but they are indicators of the Lord speaking something deeper to me.
The past few months, my husband and I have often focused our attention on the parable Jesus told of the five wise virgins found in Matthew 25:1-13. We know that the Lord is calling us to be filled continually with oil. The pure oil is found in His presence, in both worship and prayer.(Photo via pixabay)
"Then the Kingdom of Heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
"And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
"Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."
Along with the verses from Matthew 25, I have continually been impressed with verses of Scripture and words from the Lord, about not trusting in the strength of man, but trusting in the strong arm of the Lord to do what needs to be accomplished. One of the key passages He has been speaking to me is Psalm 147:10-11:
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
He has also focused my attention on Zechariah 4:6:
Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, "This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' saith the LORD of hosts.
Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, "This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' saith the LORD of hosts.
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev on the Jewish calendar. It is based on two miracles: a great Jewish military victory and a miraculous supply of oil for the Temple.
Although Hanukkah celebrates military victory—a desperately outnumbered group of Jewish guerilla fighters known as the Macabees triumphed against mighty Greek-Syrian invaders in the second century B.C.—the holiday's major symbol is the menorah, a reminder of the "miracle of the oil". After driving their oppressors out of Jerusalem, the Jews began the process of cleansing the Second Temple, since it had been desecrated by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. (Photo via openheavens7)
While seeking to rebuild the altar and light its menorah, the Jews discovered only one flask of untainted oil for the eternal lamp—just enough to keep it burning for one day.
But somehow, the flames continued to burn eight days and nights until more oil could be procured from afar. That miracle is the reason we celebrate Hanukkah for eight days, and also why Hanukkah is called the Festival of Lights.
The verse from Zechariah 4:6 is inscribed upon the menorah in Jerusalem that stands across from the Knesset, Israel's parliament. It serves to remind us not only of military victory, but of the ultimate triumph of God and the spiritual victory of the Jews over their oppressors.
Supernatural Miracles Will Bring Natural Supply
As I sought the Lord for His interpretation of the vision, I felt He gave me the understanding that as we pass into the season of Hanukkah, we will be passing through a gateway in the spirit and stepping upon a path leading us into a time of miracles and victories.
I sense that we will see supernatural miracles that bring natural supply. We will be ushered into a time of miracles in the earthly realm that bring victory over large enemy forces that have intimidated and oppressed God's people for too long. (Photo via yaldah)
I hear God saying, "Enough!" Though we may appear outnumbered by these oppressive armies, as we keep the oil of prayer and worship burning and put our trust in the fear of the Lord, He will give victory as He did during the Maccabean Revolt so many years ago.
As I mentioned, in the vision I saw the number 16 right after seeing the gates fashioned like two menorahs. This year, Hanukkah begins December 16th and ends December 24th—Christmas Eve. It is interesting that Hanukkah falls on the eight days leading up to the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ. I believe that we are entering a season leading to the time that the veil will be removed from the eyes of the Jewish people so that they can see their Savior (see 2 Corinthians 3:13-16, Romans 11:25-32).
Additionally, the menorahs on the two gates each contained eight candles, for a total of 16. Biblically, the number sixteen is symbolic of love. Sixteen of the names and titles for God in the Old Testament especially signify His constant, never-ending love for the children of Israel.
Additionally, the menorahs on the two gates each contained eight candles, for a total of 16. Biblically, the number sixteen is symbolic of love. Sixteen of the names and titles for God in the Old Testament especially signify His constant, never-ending love for the children of Israel.
In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 lists "sixteen qualities of God's love" that Paul informs us we should have as well: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (Photo via pinterest)
Love is Your Mission!
I believe the next eight years we will see an extraordinary number of Jewish men and woman coming to the awareness of the Savior as the Church exhibits the true meaning of love described in First Corinthians.
We will love them with the love that God Himself possesses. This Hanukkah season will bring us into a new beginning, where the character of the Father is seen and His true love is displayed in Israel and throughout the nations, like a menorah placed in a window for all who pass by to see.
The modern menorah is a candelabrum of eight branches, with a ninth holder placed higher in the middle. It is used to light the eight candles on either side. This is a picture of Jesus, our ninth candle, who will light the next eight years with miraculous victories and miraculous supply.
I hear the words: "Worship is your passport through the days ahead, with faith as your currency and love as your mission."
Love is your mission!
This is a time to rejoice. Though the world is reporting unthinkable oppression and horrific acts of terror that seem unimaginable, God is proclaiming a different report. He is about to bare His mighty right arm as His people surrender to His strength and live in the fear of the Lord, rather than fear the strength of terrible armies. We are entering a time of great victory and great miracles.
REJOICE!!! This is a time to worship and pray and fill your lamps with oil. It is a time to trust, to dwell safely in the fear of the Lord, and let go of doubt and every bad report that has come your way. The gates are about to open and the Father of Lights will shine and dispel the darkness. A vast Heavenly army has come to fight for His people. Amen!
Kathi Pelton
Oceans In The Desert
Oceans In The Desert
Kathi Pelton has a passion to encourage, uplift, and serve. As well as being a published writer, she has traveled extensively with Watchmen for the Nations, spoken at conferences, been a member of a national prophetic round-table, and co-directed a house of prayer. Her favorite pastime is to spend time with her husband and children.
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Love For His People Editor's Note: Hanukkah for 2014 is Dec. 16-24.
