April 14 -- "The Eternal Flame"

Today's Reading:  Exodus 27

"The Eternal Flame"

This verse is part of the section of Exodus that describes the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that the Israelites built to house the Ark of the Covenant and to worship God. In this particular verse, God is giving instructions to Moses regarding the maintenance of the lampstand inside the Tabernacle.

The lampstand, also called the menorah, was a seven-branched lamp that burned olive oil to provide light inside the Tabernacle. The oil used in the lamp had to be clear, meaning that it was pure and free from impurities, and it had to be pressed from olives rather than extracted using heat or chemicals.

The purpose of this command was to ensure that the lampstand would always be lit and that the light would be clear and bright. There are two main reasons for this; a practical one and a symbolic one. The practical reason for the lamp always burning was simply to provide lighting for the priests who serve inside the Tent. Without this light, it would have been very dark and difficult to carry out their duties.

The other reason is that this was symbolic of the presence of God, who is described in the Bible as the source of light and illumination. 1 John 1:5 says, "This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all." In the Bible, God is also described as a "consuming fire" or a "refining fire," which suggests his power and holiness. He is the Eternal Flame.

The metaphor "God is Light" is a powerful image used in the Bible to convey several important aspects of God's nature and character including His purity, His truth, His life, and His presence. Light represents the presence of God, as it shines forth from Him and fills the earth with His glory.

In a message to the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:5), Jesus says, "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent." This verse suggests that if a church does not keep its lamp burning by proclaiming the truth and glory of God, the shining presence of God will be removed from them.

These passages emphasize the importance of being prepared and vigilant, and diligently keeping the light of God shining brightly.