God’s Personal Light

Exodus 27:20-21 “Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. 21 The lampstand will stand in the tabernacle, in front of the inner curtain that shields the Ark of the Covenant.”
 
John 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
 
THESE two scriptures are very close in purpose; yet, they are spoken in very different times of God’s plan of salvation. How does Jesus’ claim, “I am the light of the world.” connect to the light continually burning in the tabernacle, a moveable tent-like structure in the Jews’ desert journey?
     When you read the Old Testament and study God’s work at that time in history, you will understand our LORD God is a planner. From the moment mankind fell into sin in Genesis 3, the heavenly Father set in motion a very precise plan for the world’s future. During Israel’s desert journey, God commanded this light to be at the altar of the tabernacle. His plan’s purpose was to teach his people he is always personally present with them.  
     Centuries after this command, God made his personal light more precise. Jesus became the physical embodiment of that lampstand light. His gospel teachings pierced sin’s darkness. He revealed God had personally come to save. Jesus could righteously proclaim, “I am the light of the world.” because he became the ever-burning light to extinguish sin’s darkness. Jesus is the way through sin’s dark valley into salvation’s eternal light.
     God’s light is an appropriate, powerful illustration of salvation throughout the Bible. Darkness never floods a lighted room. You can never see a pin-sized dark spot in a bright light. The light always penetrates the darkness. The smallest light reveals the way to safety. The light always overcomes and defeats darkness. That is Jesus’ role for all who believe.
     Pray for the Holy Spirit to fuel your heart, the gospel light will burn brightly into your life. Be a beam of salvation’s light for friends, family and others. Show them the way of hope into the light. Are you saved in the Light? Then this is God’s plan for you right now.
 
LIFE Link: Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.