Verse of the day: Exodus 25:31 “You shall also make a lampstand of pure gold; the lampstand shall be of hammered work. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, and flowers shall be of one piece.”
The Golden Lampstand, or Menorah, was located in the Holy Place. It was situated to the left of the Table of Showbread, providing light on the way to the Holy of Holies, and was the only source of light for the high priest so that he could serve, and fellowship with, the LORD. This is a wonderful reminder for us that the only Way to the Father is through the Son, our Lord and Savior, the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). The lampstand’s construction was significant in that it shows the deity and perfection of Christ, as well as how we are complete in Him. It was made of solid gold, not gold-plated. It had one main branch, and three on either side (v. 32); from this we see six branches (the number of man in Scripture), totaling seven branches (the number of perfection in Scripture); signifying that man is made perfect only in Christ (Hebrews 10:14). The design resembling the almond blossoms was significant in that the almond tree was the first to blossom, and bear fruit, each year (v. 33-34). Jesus was called the “Firstfruits”, by the Apostle Paul, because He was the first to be resurrected to eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 tells us, “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.” The Menorah also pictures what Jesus said in both John 8:12, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life”, and John 15, where He told us that He is the Vine, we are the branches, and we cannot bear fruit unless we abide in Him. Jesus did not only tell us that He is the Light of the world, but He also called us the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Being light in this world, as ambassadors of Christ, is a title that we must take seriously, and hold in high esteem. In Matthew 5:16 Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The light we shine is not our own; it is the Light, which is Christ, shining through us (John 1:4-5). Jesus has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). The only way that we can shine Christ’s light before men, so that our good works will glorify our Heavenly Father, is for us to walk as children of light. The Apostle Paul explained this best in Ephesians 5:8-13, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.” Once again, we are reminded that we are in the world, and not of the world (John 17:16). We are called to win the lost, not behave like them. We must befriend them, but not make them our source of fellowship or entertain their behavior as something we adopt as our lifestyle. We are called to be light in their dark lives, as Jesus is the Light of our lives.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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