Day 36 - Exodus 37-38 & Matthew 23:23-39
Exodus 37:17-24 (English Standard Version)
He also made the lampstand of pure gold. He made the lampstand of hammered work. Its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers were of one piece with it. And there were six branches going out of its sides, three branches of the lampstand out of one side of it and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side of it; three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on one branch, and three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on the other branch—so for the six branches going out of the lampstand. (Exodus 37:17-19 ESV)
“The assembled lampstand gives light to the tabernacle but also symbolizes the light of God’s care and mercy. Due to sin, the eyes of our heart are bad, and the whole body is darkened (Matt 6:23). How great is our need for forgiveness! Jesus is the light of the world, and in Him we have the light of life” (John 8:12). (The Concordia Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 160)
Today’s Gospel lesson adds another enlightening dimension to the lampstand.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15 ESV)
The light we are called to shine forth in our daily lives is the light of God’s care and mercy revealed in sending Jesus to save us from our sins and guaranteeing the eternal light of heaven to all and any who believe.
Heavenly Father, thank You for shining the light of Your Gospel light into my life by granting me faith in Jesus. Please shine through me to others so that they may also spend eternity in the glorious light of heaven. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morning!
Pastor Dave Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
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