The Light of the World
Exodus 27:20-21: "You shall command the people of Israel that they bring to you pure beaten olive oil for the light, that a lamp may regularly be set up to burn. In the tent of meeting, outside the veil that is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening to morning before the Lord. It shall be a statute forever to be observed throughout their generations by the people."
As an Israelite entered the tabernacle, he would see because of the bright lamp to the south side just across from the table with the bread of the Presence burning within the Holy Place. This lamp was made of solid gold, and it served as the only source of light within the tabernacle. Remember, there were no windows in this construction, and there were very heavy coverings to protect the inner contents. This light was essential to the work of the priests, and they were instructed to keep it burning, which required the contributions of the people.
As the nation of Israel sojourned through the wilderness, God led them at night through the pillar of light. His presence illuminates the greatest darkness. The Lord longs to guide his people along the right paths, paths that lead to life and godliness, paths to the promised land. The psalmist writes, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 119:105). The people understood that the Lord's word and decrees were the light. Not only were the Israelites to walk in his light, but they were also to internalize and reflect that light to the world. Living according to God's law would set them apart from the nations and allow that light to shine in the darkness surrounding them.
Jesus came to shine light in the darkness. In John's Gospel we read Jesus' words: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). Jesus came into the world and brought the light of the Father. His life and ministry reflected the glory of God, and through that light, Jesus drew men to himself.
As children of the king, we are now called to shine his light into the world. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus exhorted his people: "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). Like the Israelites, we have God dwelling with us; actually, not just with us, but within us. As we allow our lives to be molded and shaped by his Holy Spirit, we are transformed to look more like Jesus.
Reflection:
How have you seen the light of Christ manifest in other people this past week? How will you shine the light of Christ into your home, workplace, and neighborhood?
As an Israelite entered the tabernacle, he would see because of the bright lamp to the south side just across from the table with the bread of the Presence burning within the Holy Place. This lamp was made of solid gold, and it served as the only source of light within the tabernacle. Remember, there were no windows in this construction, and there were very heavy coverings to protect the inner contents. This light was essential to the work of the priests, and they were instructed to keep it burning, which required the contributions of the people.
As the nation of Israel sojourned through the wilderness, God led them at night through the pillar of light. His presence illuminates the greatest darkness. The Lord longs to guide his people along the right paths, paths that lead to life and godliness, paths to the promised land. The psalmist writes, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 119:105). The people understood that the Lord's word and decrees were the light. Not only were the Israelites to walk in his light, but they were also to internalize and reflect that light to the world. Living according to God's law would set them apart from the nations and allow that light to shine in the darkness surrounding them.
Jesus came to shine light in the darkness. In John's Gospel we read Jesus' words: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). Jesus came into the world and brought the light of the Father. His life and ministry reflected the glory of God, and through that light, Jesus drew men to himself.
As children of the king, we are now called to shine his light into the world. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus exhorted his people: "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). Like the Israelites, we have God dwelling with us; actually, not just with us, but within us. As we allow our lives to be molded and shaped by his Holy Spirit, we are transformed to look more like Jesus.
Reflection:
How have you seen the light of Christ manifest in other people this past week? How will you shine the light of Christ into your home, workplace, and neighborhood?
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