Keep Burning

Exodus 25-27; Acts 6

“’Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning…Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come.’”

Exodus 27:20, 21

The seven channels of the lamp (menorah) burned olive oil and were to be continuously burning throughout the night. The oil represents the Holy Spirit, and it is the presence of God’s Spirit within us that makes us the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16). The lampstand represents the Church which supports and contains its many members (Revelation 1:20). This lampstand with its seven continuously lit lamps stood next to the table on which was the bread of the Presence. Jesus is the fulfillment of that bread which gives life. The lampstand is to illuminate or point to the table and the Bread of Life. This beautiful picture of the anointing Holy Spirit, the Church, and the Lord Jesus was given to the Israelites to prepare them for future fulfillment in Christ.

Will we invite the Holy Spirit to keep shining through us, regardless how dark or long the night?

“Lord Jesus, shine through me so others can see you as the Bread of Life.”