Shining Bright Continually

It can be challenging to find personal relevance for particular passages of the Bible when they are filled with names that are difficult to pronounce or are filled with repetitive measurements.  It can be tedious to read the technical specifications even of products we enjoy using and see the value of, and it can ring true of parts of Scripture as well.  Passages we may be tempted to skim or gloss over can contain many important and relevant truths for us to consider and take to heart.

I came across a passage like this in Exodus 27 when Moses recorded the dimensions of the curtains, pillars and boards of the tabernacle and how they were to be fastened together, as many parts were to compose one tabernacle as the dwelling place of God.  As the chapter draws to a close, Exodus 27:20-21 said:  "And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually. ²¹ In the tabernacle of meeting, outside the veil which is before the Testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening until morning before the LORD. It shall be a statute forever to their generations on behalf of the children of Israel."  God desired the light of the lamp to always be shining in the holy place near the most holy place where His presence dwelt.  Sanctified priests were called to do the work of God in the right way, bringing pure olive oil for the lamps.  From evening to morning, the priests were to ensure the lamps were tended to and burning bright all night and day.

The Law of Moses and the service of the tabernacle were shadows that pointed to Jesus Christ Who is the Light of the World.  Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 5:14-16:  "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."  The lamps were to remain lit in the tabernacle, and Jesus explained the purpose of lighting a lamp is to provide light for everyone in the house.  It would make no sense to light a lamp and burn fuel while hiding the lamp under a basket.  Not only would it be a fire hazard, but everyone in the room would remain in darkness.

As born again followers of Jesus by faith, God intends for His glory to shine through us.  We are to be faithful and to be being filled with the Holy Spirit so we might glorify God now and forever.  How can we shine bright?  Verse 16 says we shine by our good works--which is much more than doing good deeds.  It is by being and becoming the people God created us to be, filled with the joy of the LORD we wear on our glad and hopeful countenance even in hard times.  We shine with praise of God for the great things He has done, by speaking blessing rather than cursing, and loving instead of hating.  We shine by walking in light of Scripture and speaking the truth, for God's word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

Isaiah 60:1-3 is a relevant exhortation to all God's people who are in Christ:  "Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. ² For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. ³ The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising."  How glorious is the Light of the World Who shines and has risen upon us!  We are not a source of light for the world, but through us the light of Jesus shines in and through us that will be seen by Jew and Gentile, a glow that attracts people to know and glorify God.  We sometimes limit our "time to shine" to particular moments, but God's will is we would always shine bright for His glory because He is only light, and in Him is no darkness at all--even in the mundane moments when no one else is watching.  Praise the LORD for the supply of the Holy Spirit Who helps us shine for God's glory.