God Gives and Deserves the Best
And you shall command the people of Israel that they bring to you pure beaten oil for the light, that a lamp may be set up to burn continually. (Exodus 27:20)
Ex. 25:1-9; Gen. 12:2; Deut. 16, 17; I Chr. 29:9; Prov 3:9; Matt. 10:8; Luke. 6:38; Acts 20:35; II Cor. 8:12
What Is God Saying?
God's instructions for the Tabernacle called for the best. The Ark of the Covenant was to be overlaid with pure gold; the Mercy Seat and the Cherubim pure gold; the Lampstand, one piece of hammered work of pure gold. Even the snuffers and trays were to be of pure gold. Then, the undying light that would burn in the seven holders of the lampstands was sustained by pure beaten olive 0il. Nothing represents God's continuing presence as well as a burning lamp or candle. It is a silent reminder of God's first creation, ‘Let there be light!’ To the Hebrews, light was the most immaterial substance known and could never serve as raw material for an idol. It witnessed to the pure spintual presence of God. Aaron and his sons placed this eternal flame just outside the Holy of Holy’s and tended it day and night. It was never to go out. Its energy came from pure beaten olive oil. Pounding the olives with a stone or pestle extracted the best olive oil. There were no shortcuts, mass production, or shoddy or careless work. It called for thorough, painstaking labor. It was bringing the best for the best.
How Does This Apply To Us?
This is a consistent formula. The best in life calls for the best from the life God has given us. His very best—the abundant earth, the glory of the firmament, the pure radiance of a rainbow, the joy of family, the great treasure of friends, and above all, the Gift of His Son (John 3:16) that our souls might be eternally redeemed and our spirits nourished. Those who approach the Lord in careless and casual ways, those who give Him what may be left over of their time and energy and possessions, those who keep the best for themselves, those who, for all practical purposes, really doubt that ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive;’ all these miss the point. They also miss the power. If our light is to shine for the glory of God and the blessing of others, we need to shine with the light that comes from pure, beaten oil. He who has given the best to us deserves the best from us.
Pray With Me
O Lord, Your way is always right. You are right in demanding the best, for You have given the best. You are right in expecting the whole offering, for I have known the wholeness of Your love in Jesus Christ. Lord, I don't want to bring a careless and casual offering. The light in the sanctuary of my heart cannot burn continually if the oil of devoti0n is not beaten well into God-honoring purity. Forgive the dishonesty that comes to light in feeble and formal prayers. Forgive the hours I have taken from You as I fill my days with the pursuit of trivial pleasures. Forgive the subtle enthronement of pleasures and cares that have destroyed my heart's reign of peace. Forgive me for heeding the counsel of men and merely reading the Counsel of God. Forgive me for being lost in many books while being lost to the Book of Books. Forgive me for devouring the latest news and neglecting the Greatest News. Forgive me for being a prisoner of time when You have made me free for eternity in Christ. From now on, Lord, I want to bring You pure oil beaten for the light. Only then, but surely then, the lamp that shines with faith and courage, the lamp that brings hope and cheer to others, and the lamp that reflects Your love and blessing will burn continually to Your glory.
Through Him who is the Light of the world. Amen.
Moving On In The Life of Prayer
Prayer opens the door to healing, freedom, joy, and power. It should be our best exercise, leading to the best results. When our prayer is grounded in and saturated by the Word of God, it will receive the best lesson from the best Teacher. Give God the pure beaten oil of your very best. Then, prepare to be blessed. And more than all that, prepare to be a blessing.
