Numbers 8:1-2 - The Lord said to
Moses, “Speak to Aaron and say to him, ‘When you set up
the lamps, see that all seven light up the area in front of the lampstand.’”
It’s a small bit of this chapter about consecrating and
setting the Levites apart for God’s service. The lamps that shed light on the
inner part of the tabernacles were set upon a beautiful and ornate base. The
lamps themselves could be positioned any way the priests wanted…but God told
them to make sure they were turned so that the light of each one illuminated the
front of the lamp…so that it would light up the inner curtain leading to God’s
holy presence among them.
I have to admit…I almost passed this important piece of
scripture right by…reading it quickly and not really letting its meaning sink
in …till I read David Guzik’s commentary this morning. Two of his wisdom filled statements immediately
brought conviction to my heart. He said… “The lampstand was described and made in Exodus 25:31-40; but the lampstand by itself could give no
light. It had to have lamps placed upon it that gave light. All the lampstand
could do was make the light more visible.’
Then he added… “Revelation 1:20 makes lampstands a picture of the church;
the church itself does not light the world, but it does provide a platform for
Jesus light to be seen.”
Sometimes when I get home …it is dark and I have to use my
flashlight ap to see the way to my mailbox.
I can’t just turn it on…I have to turn its light toward the mailbox to
see where I need to walk. Its light is useless pointed any other direction. Light
means nothing if it is not shed where we can use is to see. Its example is a personal example of how important
it is for me to be a human lamp of God’s great light to the world. And I am not
just to be a lamp…I need to constantly adjust it so that God’s light shines on
the specific ones God needs me to share his love with.
Jesus reminded his disciples in John 8:12… “Again Jesus
spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows
me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Then in Matthew 5:14-16 he told them… “You
are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither
do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its
stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In
the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your
good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
I needed the reminder to keep the light God placed in my
heart when he saved me fanned bright …the most dominate part of who he made me
to be. If I concentrate more on keeping his light bright…then I can make sure
that everything I do sheds his light on those he places around me…glorifying
God with all that I do and say.
Thank you father for the reminder that keeping the light of
your love shinning to others is a very important part of what you commissioned me
to do as your child. Forgive me for the
times I let sadness…busy schedules….and the many demands of earthly living dim
the light you gave me to show your love to others. Help me to keep my light turned completely toward
you…so you can reflect all the love you have to everyone around me..ALL the
time. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment