Fear No Fear

(All scripture from the World English Bible, ebible.org, all rights reserved)

“Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron, and tell him, ‘When you light the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lamp stand.’” Aaron did so. He lit its lamps to light the area in front of the lamp stand, as Yahweh commanded Moses. This was the workmanship of the lamp stand, beaten work of gold. From its base to its flowers, it was beaten work. He made the lamp stand according to the pattern which Yahweh had shown Moses.”
(Numbers 8:1-4)

“Therefore don’t be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News. For this I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For this cause I also suffer these things. Yet I am not ashamed, for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed to him against that day.“
(2 Timothy 1:8-12)

The wicks on the left and right of the menorah were directed at the central stem. They concentrated all the light in the middle. The fire in it was never allowed to go out and it was tended twice a day by one of the priests. Because of its constancy and brightness, there was no need for other lights in the Holy Place (the Most Holy Place was separated by a curtain and always dark except for God’s glory when it showed up to speak to Moses). They needed light in order to function and do their duties. God had them make sure it was always there. When they needed it and when they didn’t. It was always available. Always ready. Always pointing to Him.

Paul was encouraging Timothy to not let the Light of God go out. Yes, they could face trouble. Paul certainly had. At the time of the writing of this letter he’d been abandoned by just about everyone. But he didn’t let that stop him. He didn’t let that interfere with his mission. He still talked Jesus ALL the time. He didn’t deviate from the message and he didn’t let teaching come in that was against what he had received from the Lord. It was consistent with the scriptures and it was the Light of the kingdom. Paul was reminding Timothy that it should never be put out, always spread, and left to burn brightly.

Summary

God always gives us what we need to do what He has given us to do. He equips us and teaches us how to stay in His Light. How to keep the fire burning – even when we don’t think we need it. It illuminates what we need and it shows us His glory. He is our Source. Without Him we would have nothing but darkness. We need to tend the flame, not once a week, but multiple times a day. Making sure that we are concentrated on Him and His Light. Letting it shine in and through us to all those around us.