When there was a need for tabernacles in the old covenant, the lamps that burned on the candlestick were never to go out. It was God that said, “command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.” (Leviticus 24:1,2) This same candlestick represents God’s church, of which we as believers are all a part. It was Jesus who said, “the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” (Revelation 1:20) No wonder why Jesus said, “ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 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. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) The same way that the candlestick in the tabernacle was never to go dim or out, our light for Christ should never go dim.
The only way a person can shine brightly in the light of Christ is to also live for Him and not the world. It is willful sin that tears us away from God and causes our light to go dim and then out completely. Paul said, “for ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” (Ephesians 5:8-14) Do we accept any form of evil in our lives? No. Do we do things in secret and say we will just repent later? No. To walk in the light of Jesus is to also do His will and not the things of the flesh. It is only God who can lead us from temptation and keep our light shining brightly for Him as long as we have breath. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will help us shine brightly in this darkened world. It is sad when I hear people say that all they see are good things in this world when Satan has taken over most of it. Truly, many people who say they are Christians are really not living for You but the flesh. Do they not realize what they are doing to their salvation? I wonder, Lord, how people can expect to go to heaven after living a life that is more like the world than anything else. Truly, only if we are born again in the Spirit can we go to Your heavenly home. Help people understand this fact. Maybe then will people learn to do Your will as it is in heaven. I love to walk out my faith. To shine brightly for You is the least I can do. You saved a wretch like me and for me to now help lead others to follow You is my only desire. Lord, fill me with Your peace. Fill me with Your love. Fill me with Your holiness. Fill me with Your righteousness. Help me to be patient with every person I am around. Help me to love others as You love us. I want to see many more souls rescued from the flames of hell before my life is over. I only You, Lord. My only desire is to do Your will. Amen.
