Tonight I join my Jewish brothers and sisters in lighting three (3) candles. The act calls to mind the three the Jewish Patriarchs and God's covenant that consisted of three (3) promises. The first candle for Abraham, in honor of his courage in abandoning the worship of false gods and his steadfast faith in God and His promise(s). It was through Abraham's acceptance of God’s blessing that the b'rit (covenant) between God and the Jewish people was first established. (Genesis 12:1-4). The second candle for Isaac, God’s greatest test (the ‘Akeidah’) of Abraham’s obedience. Though a child, Isaac did not resist Abraham’s binding him in sacrifice. Isaac was courageously, obediently and selflessly united in God’s purpose with Abraham. (Genesis 22:1-19). The third candle for Jacob, ‘who wrestled with God’ and was His "champion’ (Genesis 32:22-32). Jacob was given the name Israel (Genesis 32:38) and lived to father a great nation in fulfillment of God’s covenant with his grandfather, Abraham.
Considering that three (3) is the number of both ‘stability and completeness', I am reminded that it was the strength, courage and obedience of the three (3) Patriarchs that brought 'stability and completeness' to their pursuit of God’s call on their lives that resulted in the fulfillment of God’s three (3) promise(s) in, by and through each of them for His honor and glory.
Praise be to God.