“Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. The lamp-stand will stand in the Tabernacle, in front of the inner curtain that shields the Ark of the Covenant. Aaron and his sons must keep the lamps burning in the Lord’s presence all night. This is a permanent law for the people of Israel, and it must be observed from generation to generation." Exodus 27:20-21 NLT
The lamp-stand in front of the veil which hung between the holy of holies and the holy place was to burn continually--not only during the day when the priest were present in the temple but through the night as well. The physical furnishings of the tabernacle teach spiritual truths about God. The light represents the presence and glory of God. The pure oil represents the Holy Spirit. The light of God is kept shining in the earth through the working of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, "You are the light of the world... No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father" (Matthew 5:14-16 NLT). God's glory now shines in the darkness through the lives of His people who are filled with the Holy Spirit.
The lamps could not burn without the oil which required the frequent attention of the priest to keep the wicks trimmed and the oil reservoirs full. We must pay attention to our walk with Christ to ensure that we are clean vessels yielded to the Holy Spirit so that the light of God may shine continually through us in the sin-darkened world.
Father, I want to be a vessel through which Your light shines in the darkness. I know that it is not me but the Holy Spirit in me that keeps the light shining. Show me how to keep my life a fit vessel through which the Holy Spirit can work to shine Your light in my world.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Good Morning Pastor Mark, I do pray the same thing. I hope and pray that the Holy Spirit will correct me like a parent corrects a child. I thank God for His word. The day after the prison experienced, God gave me a word from the Daily Bread out of Deut. 8:1-2 and 10-18 where He warned the Isralites; Be careful that your heart doesn't become proud and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt out of the place of slavery.....you may say to yourself: my power and my own ability haved gained this wealth for me, but remember that the Lord your God gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant He swoore to your fathers, as it is today." That was enough to keep me in my place and give Honor to whom Honor is due.( our mighty Saviour Jesus Christ. Love in Christ Francie
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