We enjoy conversation and laughter but there is a right sobriety about the Christian life. The people of God in all ages are a suffering people. They would suffer under the “contemptible person” introduced here: Antiochus Epiphanes. Faithfulness to God resulted in death. Some would stand firm and some would fall. When our moment comes and we have to make a stand, will we stand firm? The word of God enables us to be strong and get through the tough times. It is God who is in control.