God is Near

The Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus, records an incredible story in his book, Jewish Antiquities (11.317-345). He tells of the time when Alexander the Great approached the city of Jerusalem. It was a time of conquest. Alexander, leading the Greek armies across the world, was close to Jerusalem. Jaddus, then High Priest, met Alexander outside the city walls. As Alexander approached, he saw Jaddus clothed in the purple and scarlet of the High Priesthood, wearing the golden breastplate of the High Priest. All the other priests stood around Jaddus, clothed in white. It is said that Alexander greeted Jaddus with honor. Jaddus then showed Alexander Daniel 8. It is the record of Daniel’s vision of a goat who would conquer. Daniel is specific. The goat is the king of Greece and the ram he tramples is the kingdom of the Medes and Persians. Alexander is said to have honored God that day by dealing kindly with His people. While we don’t know how true the story is, we know the God that works in the lives of His people. We know that God is close to us. His Word transforms our lives. His presence shapes our hearts.