Exodus 27, Luke 24

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker

"Among the Dead."

(Exodus 27)

"Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. In the Tent of Meeting, outside the curtain that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the LORD from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come.” – Exodus 27:20-21

Thoughts from Matthew Henry: “The pure oil signified the gifts and graces of the Spirit, which all believers receive from Christ, the good Olive, and without which our light cannot shine before men. The priests were to light the lamps, and tend them. It is the work of ministers, by preaching and expounding the Scriptures, which are as a lamp, to enlighten the church, God's tabernacle upon earth. Blessed be God, this light is not now confined to the Jewish tabernacle, but is a light to lighten the gentiles, and for salvation unto the ends of the earth.”

I think Paul understood this word as well and was passing it along in his words to Timothy “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God… For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

Father, may we always see “tending” the light as a gift and privilege, not an obligation or duty. May we see it as an active fanning, not a passive standing by.

(Luke 24)

"Why do you look for the living among the dead?” vs.5

Great question. Each in our own way, we’ve fallen guilty of searching for God in places He will not be found. He is not found in religion, he is not found in legalism, he is not found in rituals, the resurrection of Christ changed all of that. With it, He ushered in a New Covenant, a New Spirit, and a New and Living Way.