#1546. THE LAMPSTAND SPEAKS OF OUR LIFE IN CHRIST(13/7/26)
- Matt Beaney
- Jul 13
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (currently posted on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) as we continue our series: I Will Dwell Among Them.
Today, we reflect on the truth:
The lampstand in the Tabernacle speaks of the light of Christ - let’s learn to let Jesus’ light shine on all aspects of our lives.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below:
‘“Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them. Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other…See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”’ (Exodus 25:31-32, 40)
We are told that the design of the Tabernacle was designed to symbolise the greater reality of heaven, it was, ‘a copy and shadow of what is in heaven.’ (Hebrews 8:5).
Additionally, it was designed to symbolise many aspects of Eden. As access to God’s presence was lost due to our sin, so now, in the Tabernacle, offerings and priesthood, access to God in the holy of holies was being restored.
1. God’s light shows us the way back to God
As the menorah lit the way for the priests, on behalf of the people, through the Holy Place and into the Most Holy Place, so, for Christians, this light speaks of how Jesus lights the way back to God.
Jesus declared:
‘”I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”’ (John 8:12)
As the lampstand illuminated God's dwelling place, Christ illuminates the way to God.
2. God’s light gives life
The lampstand (menorah) was designed to symbolise The Tree of life in Eden. Through sin, we lost access to eternal life. For Christians, this ‘Tree of Life’ in the Tabernacle, speaks of our true and eternal life in Christ. Jesus is true ‘Tree of Life’ - our relationship to Him means that we have true and eternal life in Him.
Jesus speaks of how His light - knowledge of Him and His gospel - is our life:
‘“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind... The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world." (John 1:4, 9)
3. God’s light instructs our ministry
Finally, the lampstand's light enabled the priests to serve God. Likewise, all true worship and service are only possible through Christ. Everything that a Christian, or a Christian leader, is to do is shaped by who Jesus is and what He promises. Our praying, witnessing, counselling, stewardship, ambitions… everything is radically transformed by the light of Christ.
Response
The lampstand in the Tabernacle speaks of the light of Christ - let’s learn to let Jesus’ light shine on all aspects of our lives.
Are you fully persuaded that that Jesus is the light - He is the only way back to God?
Do you understand that salvation is about the light of Christ, by the Spirit, entering you and giving spiritual rebirth?
If your life and ministry shaped by Christ and the new era that His death and resurrection have inaugurated?
This year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of CCP; to watch our anniversary video, please select the link below:
Community Group Study
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
On Sunday, we continued our I WILL DWELL AMONG YOU series, reflecting on God’s design for the Tabernacle and how this speaks to us of how we are to seek to build the church.
Please read Exodus 25:31-4 and discuss:
Personal Reflection - What particularly inspired or challenged you from Sunday’s message? How did God speak to you through it?
The Lampstand's Meaning - The various elements in the Tabernacle foreshadow heaven, and what we now enjoy in Christ (See Hebrews 8:5). What are the various things that the lampstand (the menorah) symbolise for us?
Jesus, the Light of the World - This great light, illuminated for the priests the way toward the Most Holy Place - the presence of God. How does this harmonise with what we read in John 8:12?
Keeping the Lamp Burning - The lamp was to be constantly supplied with the finest oil (See Exodus 27:20-21). How does this point to how we are to depend upon the Holy Spirit, and how do we make this a reality?
SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
From Exodus 25:31-34, we see that the lamp also represented the ministry of every church - she is to be a light. How can we become the light that God wills for us to be?
Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?
Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the “people of peace” in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.
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