LIGHT AND LIFE
In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
John 1:4 (NIV)
When God gave Moses the instructions for building the tabernacle, He didn’t miss a single detail. One of those sacred pieces was the golden lampstand. Made of pure gold, formed from a single piece, it had one central shaft with six branches extending from it. Like every element of the tabernacle, this lampstand held deep and significant meaning.
The lampstand had a clear job to do. It lit up the Holy Place so the priests could see as they worked. But it meant more than that. This wasn’t just a useful object. It was a visual reminder that God was present with His people. It symbolized more than light; it pointed to God as the source of light. Every time the priests looked at it, they were reminded that their ability to serve, see and live all came from Him. God’s light led to a fulfilling life.
The lampstand reminded Israel that God alone gives life and light. That truth hasn’t changed. In fact, it has become even clearer in Jesus. John wrote, In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. Jesus is the fulfillment of what the lampstand pointed to. He didn’t just light up a room. He brought light into a dark world and life to everyone who would believe.
Sometimes our days can feel dim. Life feels cloudy. Direction seems uncertain. But the same God who lit up the Holy Place is still shining. And His light isn’t just around us. It’s within us.
We don’t have to guess where to turn or what to do. We look to Jesus. The light still shines. The life still flows.
This Spurgeon quote always challenges me: The Bible is not the light of the world, it is the light of the Church. But the world does not read the Bible, the world reads Christians! You are the light of the world. How are you allowing the light of God to influence your life?
APPLICATION: Where do you feel like you’re walking in the dark right now? Are you hiding the light of God within you to keep from creating a stir in others? Pause and ask Jesus to light that space with His presence. Let His light bring clarity, and His life bring strength.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank You that we’re not walking this journey in the dark. Instead, we have the Light of the World to guide us. Shine into the dark places of my life today and help me to walk in confidence. Remind me of Your nearness. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?