A Sure and Certain Light
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Leviticus 22, 23, 24
Leviticus 24:3-4 (NIV)
3 Outside the curtain of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps before the Lord from evening till morning, continually. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. 4 The lamps on the pure gold lamp stand before the Lord must be tended continually.
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Acts 26:18 (NIV)
I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.
Good morning!
The Tent of Meeting is a hot topic of discussion in our home. Jeff and I spent some time on the Internet looking at visual aids illustrating the dimensions and elements of this holy place. Jeff downloaded a screensaver of the Tent of Meeting that is truly fascinating. In the picture, the fire of the Lord is pouring out of the sky and down into the Holy of Holies within the Tent of Meeting. The Israelites had pitched their tents around the perimeter of the Tabernacle, each tribe assigned to a specific location and duty. No matter where they were camped, the light of the Lord is visible and clear. The Great I Am first appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush. He continues to reveal Himself through fire and flame. His light is sure and certain and it will never end.
I’ve always enjoyed the light of a warm and toasty fire on a cold winter’s night. There are nights when the only light in our home is shadowed in the hue of the flames streaming from the fireplace and the candlelight dancing upon the hearth. There is something compelling about the flickering flame. The candlelight brings clarity and visual acuity in what might otherwise be total darkness. If you’ve ever jumped up in the middle of the night and stubbed your toe on a piece of furniture, you may appreciate having the light of a candle to guide your path and protect you from the dangers in the dark.
When the Apostle Paul defended his actions before King Agrippa, he repeated the words of Jesus as he experienced him on the Damascus road. This single encounter became the benchmark for Paul’s faith. He set his course by the light of Jesus Christ and the call to serve. Paul willingly gave his life over to the light of Christ, allowing that light to consume him. Every word Paul spoke was offered so that people might hear the Good News and believe in Jesus, thereby receiving forgiveness for sin and new life in Him. The light of Christ provides daily strength to overcome the power of darkness. Just like Paul, eyes are opened and hearts are changed when people see the living Christ shining brightly in you and me.
It is no wonder that the Lord gave specific instruction to Moses that Aaron and the priests must continually tend to the lamps on the pure golden lamp stands. His light must never go out. It was His light that would draw His children home. They would look for it, long for it, and live in it. Jesus Christ teaches that we are the light of the world. Is your faith a flame that continually burns? Does the light of the Lord shine brightly in you so that those around you can see the way to go? Are you a city on a hill that cannot be hidden?
God’s light is continual, it is certain, and it will never end. Allow the light of Jesus Christ to fill you up with His love today. May you prepare your heart to be a home where Jesus can live and reign and work through you. Are you willing to be His light bearer?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the light of Jesus Christ to become your benchmark for daily living.
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