THE LAMPSTAND- JESUS CHRIST THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

SERIES: THE TABERNACLE

TEXT: EXODUS 25:31-41

Light is very important. It is important for the sight. The visual ability of humans and other animals is as a result of the complex interaction of light, eyes and brain. When there is no light we stumble. Light is important for growth. Plants feed themselves and grow by the process of photosynthesis. The tabernacle was a large portable tent structure that served as the center of worship for the Israelites as they travelled along their journey to the Promised Land. The tabernacle served as a reminder of God’s presence among His people.

The tabernacle comprised of three areas;

1. The outer court- a general meeting area for the tabernacle.

• It held the altar of sacrifice, the bronze wash basin and the door.

1. The holy place.

• The holy place was the start of the tabernacle proper and was 30ft long and 15ft wide.
• It was the area where the priest performed a good number of their daily duties.
• It held the MENORAH (Golden Lampstand) the table of presence (SHEW BREAD) and the altar of incense.

1. The Holy of holies.

• It was 15ft …15ft square.
• It was the place where only the high priest could enter and do so only once a year to spread the blood of atonement on the mercy seat of God on the day of atonement.
• Inside the Holy of holies was the Ark of the Covenant.
• Today we are looking at the MENORAH or the golden lampstand in the holy place.

Let us learn:-

1. THE LAMPSTAND- LIGHT FOR THE TARBANACLE
2. GOD’S COMMAND

1. Exodus 25:31-40.
2. Exodus 37:17-24- tells us that it was made according to God’s plan.

1. ABOUT THE LAMPSTAND.

1. The lampstand sometimes referred to as the candlestick, however candles were not yet invented. So it is property called the lampstand.

• The lampstand was called the MENORAH in Hebrew.

1. As you enter the Holy place, the lampstand was on the left or south side.

• To the right (North side) was the table of the SHEW BREAD.
• Directly in front of the curtain separating the Holy place and the Holy of holies, sat the Altar of incense.

1. The lampstand was the TRUE work of art because it was not modeled out of individual pieces of gold but was hammered out of one Talent of pure gold.

• A talent= about 76 pounds= 40kg (very expensive).
• Today it would have cost 150 million shillings (Kenya).

1. There was a central shaft rising straight out of the base of the lampstand.
2. There were three pairs of branches that sprang out of each side of the central shaft.

• Making a total of seven branches (seven is the number of perfection).

1. At the top of each branch was an oil lamp.

• The entire lampstand was ornamented by almond flowers, bud and blossoms.

1. The size of the lampstand is not given in the Bible.

• Jewish tradition tells us it was five feet high and about three and a half feet wide (5ft …3…).

1. THE PUEPOSE OF THE LAMPSTAND.

1. It was for lighting.
2. It was the only source of light in the Holy place.
3. It was to enlighten the Holy place so that the priests could fellowship with God and intercede on behalf of the people.

1. THE BIBLE- A LIGHT FOR OUR PATH

• Psalm 119:105- “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

1. The Bible provides us with God’s universal will for all people.

• In it He teaches us what He wants us to do.
• In it, He reveals Himself to us.
• In it, He shows His love, mercy and grace.

1. The Bible is referred to as the word of God.

• In fact that phrase is used 40 times in the Bible to refer to any message of God.
• The Bible is not from human minds but from God- 2^nd Peter 1:20-21.

1. Benefits of studying the word.

1. Learning the truth- John 17:17- “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.”
2. Spiritual supply.

2^nd Tim. 3:16-17- “A scripture is good breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

1. Self-evaluation- Heb. 4:12 -“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
2. A weapon against a schemes of the devil.

Eph.6:17- “The sword of the spirit which is the word of God.”

1. Direction.

• The Bible is a great navigational device.
• Spiritually, it will help you get to where you need to be.
• Psalm 119:9-11.

• JESUS CHRIST- THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

1. Jesus the word of God- John 1:1.

• The word of God is a message from God.
• The Son of God is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being- Heb.1:3.

5. Jesus Christ is the light of the world- John 1:4-5.

• Jesus is the true light that gives light to every man that comes into the world- John 1:9.
• Matthew tells us in Matt.4:16- “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; and those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
• Jesus Christ said this about Himself.

John 8:12- “I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

• In heaven the only source of light will be Jesus Christ Himself- Rev.21:23, “The city does not need the sun and the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives light and the lamb stand called “Er Elohim.”
• We as followers are the represented by the six branches that extend from the original branch-Eph. 5:8.
• John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches.”
• The seven lights also represented Jesus Christ and the seven spirits of God.
• “You are the light of the world, a city on a hill cannot be hidden, neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl, instead they put it on it’s stand and gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven”-Matt. 5:14-16.

CONCLUSION

• What is your source of light?
• Do you depend on natural light?
• Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
• Are you shining for Jesus Christ in this dark world?