Let Your Light Shine

Exodus 27.20-21
From the beginning (Genesis 1 and John 1) the LORD has revealed Himself as Light. He is Light and in Him is no darkness at all. In Psalm 27.1 David declares the LORD is my Light and my Salvation and in Psalm 119.105 we read Thy Word is a Lamp for my feet and a Light for my path.

Revelation 1-2 we see Jesus walking among the seven lampstands. We are told in Revelation 1.20 the seven lampstands are the seven churches. In Revelation 4.5 seven lamps in front of the throne of God.

The lighting for houses in Biblical times were done according to these verses we read this morning. The lamp was placed on a high stand so it would light the entire room.

Each Christian Home is to be a light in its neighborhood. We ought to be people who bring light to those around us. We are to share the Lamb. Our lives (our behavior) ought to arrest the attention of those who do not know Christ.

The flower shaped cups, actually lilies, held the pure olive oil. The lampstand was made of gold and was one of the most ornate objects in the tabernacle. The gold and the oil symbolized purity. The pure in heart see God and reflect His glory. The flower shaped cups stand for the beauty and fragrance of a holy life.

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven." ( Matthew 5.14-16)

1. Oil, A Symbol of the Holy Spirit, Kept the Lamps Burning. -v.20
This oil -clear oil- was not from the olive press but rather from beaten olives to get a clear colorless, non smoking oil.

These seven cups on the golden lampstand had to be filled regularly.
Ephesians 4.18 Be filled with the Spirit (be filled and keep on being filled).
Just as these cups needed to be refilled regularly so that it would serve its purpose of giving light, you and I need to keep on being filled with God's Spirit so we will shine for the LORD.
We need that Quiet Time of prayer and His Word.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25.1-13) demonstrates this need.
In order for us to let our light shine we need God's Spirit to come upon us each day.

Let your light shine...
2. God's Promises (in the ark) and His Moral Code (The Law/The Ten Commandments) are Light. -v.21a

The ark contained the tablets of stone along with the manna and Aaron's Rod. That gold covered
chest was a testimony to God's Holiness, Faithfulness and Power among His people.
Jesus' words (Matthew 5.17-18) right after He had declared we are the light of the world.

The brightness of the light, the strength of the witness, is in the church loving God supremely ad in loving others as ourselves. Love shines brightly in the darkness.

3. The Lamps Shone Throughout the Whole Night. -v.21b

They were to burn from evening until morning. We are to shine in the darkness Philippians 2.12-18
Watch out for grumbling and complaining about the darkness. Let your light shine. Our job is not to assess the darkness but to shine forth in it!

A replenished lamp- replenished with oil- God's Spirit- will shine through the whole night until morning dawns.

A smoldering wick He will not snuff out. Isaiah 42.3, Matthew 12.20

If you are low on oil- His Spirit- if your light is flickering- you've come to the right place this morning! Jesus. come and fill Your lambs! It is not complicated. Ask the LORD to fill you today.