SCRIPTURE: Exodus 27
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. [John 3:20]. Imagine someone designing an x-ray that would expose all our inner thoughts, feelings and secrets. Would you step behind that x-ray, and allow your heart to be revealed? Would you even want to see it for yourself?
The tabernacle is a symbol of our inner relationship with God. We are His temple, He lives in us, our heart is an altar and God’s light (the Spirit) is shining within us. The lampstand was to shine for the entire night. Those seeing the tabernacle by night would see the glow of the candlelight breaking through the otherwise dark sky (no street lights). A reminder of the light and grace of God among them!
Sacrifices were regularly offered on the altar to express sorrow for sin, gratitude for grace and love for God (burnt offerings, thank offerings, fellowship offerings). The priests presented these offerings to God on behalf of the Israelites. Today, Jesus is the high priest. As we come to Him, opening our hearts to Him, we present ourselves to Him with heart, soul, mind and strength, as a living sacrifice, our spiritual act of worship. [Romans 12:1-12].
And as we do this, the light of His Spirit works within us, exposing areas of sin and strengthening areas of weakness. It is not always a pleasant thing to open our feelings, thoughts or secrets to God, but unless we do, we will remain in bondage, in the darkness.
The light is always on in God’s house, always an invitation to come to Him and find healing, forgiveness and strength. So the question is, why do we no meet with Him like this more often? Why do we resist stepping into the light? What are we afraid of, what are we avoiding?
Our time with God needs to be very specific – a set time, a set place, an open dialogue, a listening spirit. With pen and paper in hand, we listen, we learn, we love, we grow. The light shines, and we get brighter! Unless we avoid the light, then we stay in the dark.
The light is on in God’s house. He is waiting for you. Will you meet with Him?
PRAYER:
Lord, I am guilty of avoiding or neglecting time with You. You are in my heart, waiting for me with the light. Here I come…
LORD, thank You that Your light is always on; that I can come to You always just as I am.
LORD, thank You that there is nothing You do not already know so I do not need to fear or be ashamed to approach You.
Thank You LORD that You sent You Son, Jesus Christ to be the “Ultimate Sacrifice” for us. He has covered our sins, we are forgiven. Thank You LORD that Jesus is the way, that it is not about earning or doing the right things.
Forgive me LORD for the things that cause me to step out of Your Light. Thank You LORD for always being ready to welcome me back into Your Light – that You keep Your Light continually burning so that it is always possible for me to find my way back.
Thank You LORD for forgiveness. Thank You LORD for taking care of the darkness…… Thank You LORD for putting Your Spirit into our hearts so that we too can be a vessel of Your Light….. We must carry Your Light……