Keep The Light Burning

Keep The Light Burning!

1 Samuel 1:1 – 3

In this passage we see the contrast between the wickedness of Eli’s family and the faithfulness of the young boy Samuel.

He ministered before the Lord under the guidance and supervision of Eli at a time when God was not speaking to His people very often.

The spiritual leaders were corrupt, and God’s people weren’t obeying His Law, (sounds a lot like today)

The “Lamp of God” was the seven-branched golden candlestick that stood in the holy place before the veil, to the left of the golden alter of incense.

Verse 3 tells us that the light was about to go out. It was the only source of light in the holy place and the priests were commanded to keep it burning always. Exo 27:20 And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.

Leviticus 24:1 – 4

The veil divided the tabernacle proper into two parts, the holy place and the holy of holies. In the holy place were three pieces of furniture: the golden altar of incense, the table of shew bread, and the golden lamp stand. As the priest faced the incense altar, the table would be to his right and the lamp stand to his left.

Since there were no windows in the tabernacle, it was necessary to have light in the holy place so the priests could see as they ministered there. The golden lamp stand provided that light.

The Candlestick was one piece of gold (Divine Nature) and one beaten work which had six (the number for man) branches and one (Jesus) central shaft. So we have God and man together, Christ as the central shaft is the mediator (1Tim. 2:5), the one through whom flows oil (anointing) to give light. As branches, our connection with Christ brings light and life. The Candlestick was both the light and the light bearer.

Each morning and evening, when the high priest burned incense on the golden altar, he was to care for the lights on the lamp stand to make sure they would continue to burn. Special golden instruments were provided for pulling up the wicks from the oil and trimming them.

The lamp was a symbol of the Lord Jesus Christ and therefore a picture of the light of Gods truth. The light of God’s Word was burning dimly in those days, and as a result the priests were barely able to see.

When we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, when we’ve repented of our sins and our name is written in the “Lamb’s Book of Life,” it DOES NOT end there.

Once we’ve been ignited by the flame of God’s love, His forgiveness, His Word etc, once the Light of the Lord Jesus Christ shines in our hearts, it is so important that we keep the light of God burning in our lives, for others to see.

Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

We keep that light burning so that we are a witness to others.

We keep that light burning so that people can see what Christ has done for us.

We keep that light burning so that we can direct people’s paths to the right road.

We keep that light burning so that we can direct people to the cross.

Let the light shine to our family

Let the light shine to our friends

Let the light shine to our neighbours

Let the light shine to our co-workers

Let the light shine to the total stranger

Let the light shine to every person that we come in contact with

Walk and talk with God every day to keep our light burning brightly. Don’t let it go out, don’t let it flash on and off – Keep the light burning!!

People will know that there is something different about us and about our lives: -

The way we walk / talk / act / react

The places we go

Benjamin Franklin wanted to interest the people in Philadelphia in street lighting. He did not call a town meeting nor try to persuade the people by talking about it. He acted upon what he considered a good idea. He hung a beautiful lantern on a long bracket in front of his house. He kept the glass polished and carefully trimmed and lit the wick every evening at the approach of dusk. The lamp helped the people see the pavement ahead; made them feel more secure at night. Others began placing lights in front of their houses. Soon Philadelphia recognized the need for street lights.