Unexplained Foreshadows

Scripture: In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come. Exodus 27:21

Observation: As God continues to instruct Moses on how to set up the tabernacle, he returns to the lampstand. He gave instructions on how to fashion it in a prior chapter, but now he addresses the placement and lighting. It is to be in the tabernacle, as is to always burn all night long. In other words, there must never be darkness within the tabernacle.

From an earthly perspective, this requirement requires care and planning. We also know this is the requirement at stake that eventually becomes the celebration of Hanukkah, when the lamp is miraculously kept lit despite a limited supply of oil. From a heavenly perspective, this reinforces the fact that it is never dark in heaven, because their is a source of continual light, and that source is Jesus.

The tabernacle will never go dark. This is not because the people continually stoke a huge bonfire as a result of their earthly sacrifices. Rather, it is because there is one source of light in the presence of God. Our efforts outside of heaven cannot make heaven right. Our attention to Jesus is required.

Application: The minor metaphors of the tabernacle are confusing, unclear, and obscure. I have no idea what 90 percent of them mean, and probably don't even realize that another portion exist at all. However, Jesus is the light of the world, and the perpetual light of heaven, and we know that there is never darkness nor fear in his presence.

A candelabra is a very poor earthly replacement for Jesus, just like we - the church - are a poor embodiment of Jesus. That said, we are his lamps here on earth. We need to always give light. When it is dark, that it when it is most critical that we are lit and shining.

Prayer: Lord, our society is dark. May our oil never run out in these times. We cannot be your light from the perspective of quality, but we can be lit and providing earthly light to the best of our ability. Please guide me in the weeks to come as I seek your will in where and how to burn. Amen.