“Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually.”

Exodus 27:20 (NLT)

Throughout the Old Testament we find hidden pictures that point to Jesus Christ. It has been said that Christ is in the Old Testament concealed and in the New Testament revealed. This shows us that God’s plan of redemption is eternal and consistent. The old covenant and its system of worship set the stage for the new covenant and the fulfillment in Jesus Christ. As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount:

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”

Matthew 5:17 (NKJV)

Under the old covenant, as a person entered the courtyard of the tabernacle, the first thing he would see was the altar of burnt offering. It testified that the only way to approach God was through animal sacrifice. Only through the shedding of innocent blood could there be forgiveness of sins and peace with God. This altar clearly pointed to the cross where Jesus was bound and sacrificed for our sins. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Because we have all sinned, and the tabernacle and temple no longer exist, we must first believe in Jesus Christ before we can have fellowship with God.

In addition to the altar outside the tabernacle was the lampstand inside. This was the only source of light since there were no windows. It’s seven lamps had to burn continually, meaning that they required constant supervision. The priests would prepare pure oil of pressed green olives, which smoked very little when burned. But they would often have to add more oil to the lamps.

Centuries later, after the Jewish exiles returned from Babylon, the prophet Zechariah had a vision of two olive trees supplying oil directly to the lamps. This would be a priest’s dream come true because it would automate the entire process. Then the word of the LORD came to Zechariah:

“‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6, NKJV)

The oil for the lamps represented the Holy Spirit. He would be the Source, providing a continual supply to bring forth light and power. This is a beautiful picture of the church today. Jesus said that we are the light of the world. But how do we shine? Not by human might or power but only by being continually filled with the Holy Spirit.

If you find that your porchlight is flickering rather than shining brightly or that you lack power in your walk with Christ, then come to the Lord today and ask to be filled with His Spirit. As Jesus said:

“You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”

Luke 11:11–13 (NLT)

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Photo by Bhargava Marripati