Bible Pathways - Feb. 10, 2009
February 10
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Not only did the Lord speak, but in today's reading He commanded (24:23). See what happened to a rebellious son who blasphemed the Name of the Lord (24:11,16). Discover the significance of the number God uses for perfection (seven) and its eventual climax in the liberty of the year of Jubile (25:8-55).
Aaron was charged with the responsibility of keeping the light continually burning in the Golden Candlesticks. This light was derived from God, for the lamps were lighted from the sacred fire from upon the altar (9:24).
Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the lamp, to cause the lamps to burn continually. Without the vail of the Testimony, in the Tabernacle of the Congregation, shall Aaron order it from the evening unto the morning before the Lord continually: it shall be a statute for ever in your generations. He shall order the lamps upon the Pure Candlestick before the Lord continually (24:2-4).
During the wilderness journey, the Israelites were guided by the pillar of fire. It was a visible manifestation of the presence of the Lord. The Candlestick's lamps, which were never to go out, typified Jesus, the Light of the World (John 8:12), whose presence is always with His followers. In Him was Life; and the Life was the Light of men. . . . That was the True Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (1:4,9). Today the only True Light is the Word of God (1:1-18).
Every age has seen the True Light shining through believers amid the trials, tragedies, and sufferings of the world. Darkness might cover the outer world, but the light of Christ continuously glows within the believer.
The Candlestick was made with precious gold and exquisite workmanship, but it was not intended to draw attention to itself. Its purpose was to contain the oil and show forth the Light. What an ideal picture of the Christian! When the light (Lev. 24:2) of the Christian is dimmed by an unloving spirit, it indicates the presence of a defiling mixture — the pure oil, symbolic of the indwelling Holy Spirit, becomes tainted by the self-life. How we need to guard our "lamps" against all impurities of worldliness. The oil could not be placed in a dirty vessel but only one of pure gold. The pure oil, symbolic of the Holy Spirit, brings the revelation of light and understanding of the Word of God to our hearts.
For ye were sometimes in darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light (Eph. 5:8).
Thought for Today:
Reading and obeying the Word of God brights light into our otherwise dark world, giving understanding unto the simple (Ps. 119:130).
Christ Portrayed:
By the kinsman-redeemer (Lev. 25:47-55). Christ is our Savior and Redeemer who made us His kinsman: Jesus Christ. . . . In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Eph. 1:5-7; Rom. 8:17).
Word Studies:
24:3 the Vail of the Testimony =the curtain which divided the Holy Place from the outer roof of the Tabernacle; 24:8 everlasting Covenant =b> commitment of Israel to be loyal to the Lord; 24:15 bear his sin =be held responsible; 25:10 hallow =set apart, sanctify; 25:14 oppress =cheat, take advantage; 25:35 be waxen poor =cannot support himself; 25:36 usury =interest on loans; 25:37 victuals =food, supplies; 25:43 rigour =ruthless severity; 25:45 begat =fathered
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by David Thornburg • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Official: Rep. Walter Jones, Jr. (NC) • Country: Bahamas (284,000) in the northern portion of the West Indies • Major languages: English and some Creole • Religious freedom • 72% Protestant; 26% Roman Catholic; 1% Afro-American spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Examine yourself. Has prosperity dulled your willingness to sacrifice (Hag. 1:4)?
Optional Reading: Mark 13
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:7-8
