Wednesdays with Moses

Exodus 27:20-21

²⁰ “And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually. ²¹ In the tabernacle of meeting, outside the veil which is before the Testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening until morning before the Lord. It shall be a statute forever to their generations on behalf of the children of Israel.

For the Israelites, the light of the lampstand was to never be extinguished. This symbol of God’s presence would burn every moment of every day as a reminder of God’s presence with them at every moment. What a powerful symbol to encourage them every day!

Though we may not have such a symbol burning in our homes or neighborhoods, we have the same promise that God isALWAYS with us. That means He is there when we can’t perceive Him, when we’re not paying attention to Him, and when we need Him most. His presence is also our challenge for God is with us even when our choices imply that we wish He was somewhere else. He is ALWAYS there!

While we are certainly grateful for God’s presence with us, perhaps we should consider how we live at every moment, knowing that flame is still burning brightly. He desires to be with us and has promised never to leave us. If we live in obedience, then that promise is very good news indeed.

– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.