The High Priest’s task was to attend to the lamps from evening to morning. I am sure that Aaron’s sons, who were privileged to be with their father in the holy place, would have assisted their father. There were three ministries to attend to in the holy place.
The golden lampstand.
The golden table of shewbread.
The golden altar of incense.
We notice in Revelation 1:13 that Jesus is in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: “And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.” He is described as our Great High Priest attending to the ministry of the seven candlesticks (churches).
The high priest of Israel would do his best to make sure each candlestick put forth the most light possible on a continual basis. Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest also seeks to make our candlesticks give us much light as possible on a daily 24/7 basis.
The fire on the brazen altar was to never go out. Leviticus 6:13 says: “The fire shall EVER be burning upon the altar; it shall NEVER GO OUT.”
In the same way, the same command was given regarding the candlesticks. The Hebrew word “tamid” means “continually, perpetually, regularly, at all times.” Exodus 27:20 states: “And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn ALWAYS.”
Leviticus 24:1-4 says: “He shall order their lamps upon the pure candlestick before the LORD CONTINUALLY.” When God speaks in this passage He uses the word CONTINUALLY three times. He wants them to get the message good and strong.
Fathers, as priests of our homes and families, we must never, ever underestimate the importance of attending to the lamps of each member of our families.
Ordering the lamps entails trimming the wicks, cutting off the black, sooty part, cleaning the area where the lamp is lighted, and making sure there is sufficient oil in the lamp.
Trimming the wick entails making sure the wick is not too high. If it’s too high, it smokes. If its too low, it will not give enough light. As priests in our homes and families we assist our Great High Priest in this great ministry of making every family and every church a GREAT LIGHT to shine before all men.
How often? Sometimes? Occasionally? No, God wants our lights to shine CONTINUALLY.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell
Picture: Pigeon Point Lighthouse.