“You shall make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand shall be made of hammered work: its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers shall be of one piece with it.” Exodus 25:31
May 4, 2023
Rooms need light for the obvious reason of illuminating interior space. The hammered gold of the lampstand in the Holy Place on the south side opposite the table for bread involved more than its practical purpose. It was a symbol of Israel’s testimony to the Gentiles anticipating the Messiah who would be the light of the world. Israel was God’s priest-nation, a witness to the light-giving power of God who guides us into life and through life. The almond tree features of the lampstand were a symbol of God’s wonderful care over His people and of His fulfillment of the promises of the Abrahamic, Davidic and New Covenants. Therefore, the lampstand pointed toward Jesus Christ who is the true Light (Jn. 1:6-9; 8:12). Jesus as the Light delivers from spiritual darkness (Jn. 12:35,36,46). The next time you turn the lights on in your room be reminded that as Christ is the LIght of the world, so we are to be lights shining in a dark place drawing attention to the light of the gospel.
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“O Creator Lord, who called light into being, thank you for the light of your wisdom. Make me more of your light in living and by my lips.”