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.    Exodus 27:20 NKJV

When we read through Exodus and Leviticus and we see the specific instructions God gave for the construction of the tabernacle, it’s easy to think it has no relevance today. However, when we understand how we are to live as Christians and we realize today we are the church, we understand the relevance.

The lamps in the Tabernacle were to burn continuously. The priests were responsible for being sure that they always had oil in them, so the flame never went out. The oil was to be pure oil of pressed olives. There were two ways of extracting oil from olives. The best way was to press the olives. This gave the best and purest oil. The oil was to be provided by the children of Israel or the congregants or church members as they would be called today.

God wants us to be filled with the purest and the best. This is why He gives us His Holy Spirit to fill our hearts. When we surrender to Christ, we ask God to fill us with His Holy Spirit. When we live a life surrendered to Christ, it shows. Our light shines.

In Revelation 1:20, Jesus explains, “The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the seven angels of the seven churches and the lampstands which you saw are the churches.”

In Moses’ day the people had to go to the Tabernacle to offer sacrifices. That all changed when Jesus died for our sins. He became the sacrifice. Today the sacrifices we offer are our bodies. Romans 12:1-2 tells us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to the Lord and not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

We are to sacrifice a portion of our material wealth, our praise and our good works, and our good works. When we put Jesus first and others second, we naturally want to do these things. This causes our light to shine continuously.

Many years ago, I was in the woods searching for my lost beagle. He wasn’t lost, he knew just where he was headed. He was following a rabbit’s scent. I followed his sound and once I found him, I realized I had gotten turned around and was lost. The woods were thick with brush, and it was extremely dark with no moonlight only my flashlight. I’m pretty good with directions, so I turned in the direction that I thought would lead me home. I had left my porch light and house lights on. Once I got my beagle, we headed that direction looking for the lights. I was so relieved when I saw my neighbor’s lights. I knew I was very close to home.

There are many people in this world today stumbling around in the dark. They may have attended church at one time they may have even been saved but have become backslidden. They may have wandered into the darkness and gotten turned around and lost their way. These people are looking for a light. Will you be that light?

Will you let your light shine for others to see to guide them home? Or, have you come to prefer the darkness?

As Christians, we are either the light, and we let our light shine, or we are in darkness? There is no middle ground. If you have backslidden and stumbled around in the dark and gotten all turned around, look for the light. Stop bumping into others who are lost and look for someone with a light shining to guide you home.

Turn to God and trust in Him. Acknowledge Him in all you do, and He will guide your path (Proverbs 3:6). He will lead you to the light. Then you can let your light shine to lead others.

Have a great day!