Jesus is The Light of the World

In our previous posting we introduced the Golden Lamp Stand as one of the objects found inside the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. We identified that the purpose of the Lamp Stand is to illuminate the bread found on the Table of Show Bread. We also demonstrated that this bread is symbolic of the Bread of Life, which in turn, is Jesus our Lord and Savior. 

As in our postings about the Table of Show Bread, we will initiate our analysis by looking at what the words of Jesus have to say about His identity. We will then present a series of events that reveal how the truth of this statement was supported in the form of miracles.

Here are the words of Jesus declaring to be the Light of the World:

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

By claiming to be the Light of the World, Jesus is proclaiming that He is the living Lamp Stand that came down from heaven. After all, Jesus came to earth to help us see that He is the Bread of Life, the Christ and the Son of God.

Here is a scripture that supports the proposition that Jesus is the Light of the World:

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”  While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”  (Matthew 17:1-5)

 

Jesus is the Light of the World because He illuminates the pathway to the Father, which He did for His disciples in the above scripture.

The Principles of the Light of the World

In looking at the life of Jesus as the Light of the World, we find several key traits that can be used in molding our own lives to that of Christ Jesus. One such trait is to illuminate the pathway to the Father to others, just as Jesus did. Being a light to others means that our good works should be visible to others so that the goodness of God is clearly seen. Our lives should enable them to understand what we are and what we believe. Therefore, those around us will not be surprised that we are a Christian. We should be a light to others so that they will not stumble in the darkness, but rather, have the everlasting light of Jesus. Read the words of Jesus in regard to becoming a light for others:

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-6) 

In this scripture Jesus passes the purpose of the Lamp Stand on to His disciples who are to be held on high to dispense the light of Gods own Son to everyone in the world. The key principle is that it is the mission of every Christian to be light to those around us. We must illuminate the truth that God gives to our fellow man. Like the Golden Lamp Stand we must illuminate the Table of Showbread and the Holy Place of God. Therefore we must illuminate Jesus who is the light of the world, the bread of life, the only begotten Son of God. We must illuminate the fact that Jesus came to tell us the Fathers Truth, that He came to save us from our own sin and that He is the Savior of the world.

Another principle discovered at the Golden Lamp Stand is to become enlightened through prayer in the Holy Place of God. Jesus turned to prayer to seek guidance from the Father and we should do likewise. It is critical that we get our guidance in the Holy place. The following passage is a good example of Jesus getting His direction from the Father through prayer:

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Then He came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, “What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:36-41)

 

This is what coming to the Golden Lamp Stand was all about. In this example Jesus is getting directions from the Father that seem counter intuitive and illogical to our earthly mind, yet they are very effective in achieving God’s purpose. As in Jesus’ case this guidance came through prayer. It is prayer that comes once we are inside the Holy Place that illuminates our pathway. In addition, remember that the seven globes of the Lamp Stand represent the perfect vision of the Father. It is this all knowing vision that enables the Father to guide us when we pray an enable us to setting our course as well as avoid obstacles. This guidance is essential to proceeding effectively toward our mission. 

So, we as imitators of God seek to become more like Jesus who is the Golden Lamp Stand, in the following ways:

Enter into the Holy Place in your Prayer Life

We must move from the Outer Court and into the Holy Place of the inner courtyard. We need to get past our sinful nature that drives us back to the outer court yard begging for forgiveness. To enter into enlightened prayer in the Holy Place we must become a fundamentally changed people who can live with a pure heart, not desiring the world or anything in it.

Your prayers in the Holy Place fill the bowls of the Lamp Stand with the oil that illuminates Jesus, the Bread of Life and enables you to see the truth (after all you have passed through the door call the Truth). Your prayer will illuminate your walk with God and the anointing oil of the Lord will cover you such that you can be a light unto others.

Seek God for Direction

Our prayer time then becomes a time of communication. We seek closeness with God and God in turn illuminates our path.

Be Visible

Our actions and life need to be visible to others. The world must know that we follow in the steps directed by our Father. Do not be dismayed if the things that God shows you seem to be impossible. The best way to be visible is to set out and attempt the impossible and proclaim it to the world. After all, if we only attempt what we can achieve then where does God fit in? He certainly gets no glory from our independent actions. But if we undertake the impossible in the name of God, then God will support our actions with miracles that make the impossible possible. Others see what God has done and are impacted by their experience. Most importantly, God gets the glory that He justly deserves.

Be a Light to Others

Let your actions, words and life be an inspiration to others. When they see God’s favor in your life they will look to you for guidance. Point them toward Jesus. Disciple them and nurture them in the way of the Lord.

 Expect Miracles to Follow the Truth from God 

Speak the truth of your enlightenment to others and expect the power of God to support your action with His miraculous power through the Holy Spirit. Step out in faith, do what He puts in your heart and expect Him to do what you cannot:

So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts. ‘Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bringforth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”“ (Zec 4:6-7) 

In our next posting we will introduce the Golden Altar of Incense. May God bless you all.