Experiencing God's Presence #90

Experiencing God's Presence #90

The lampstand will stand in the Tabernacle, in front of the inner curtain that shields the Ark of the Covenant. Aaron and his sons must keep the lamps burning in the LORD’s presence all night.

Exodus 27:21

Day and night. That’s how the flames of the Presence were to burn. The light in the Holy Place—seven lamps on a golden lampstand, each filled with oil by priests constantly on call—would glow continually, without fail.

Scripture calls several things “light”: the revealed Word, the Temple, Jerusalem, and the Messiah. But the Messiah, in addition to calling Himself the light of the world (John 8:12 and 9:5), also called His people the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Not only do He and the Spirit continually shine in the Father’s Presence, so do we. Continually filled with the oil of the Spirit, we stand in the Holy Place as flames before God. We are fueled by Him and spent on Him simultaneously.

Both processes—being fueled by Him and being spent on Him—are integral to experiencing His Presence. When we are simply fueled by Him, we taste of His power but can’t keep it flowing. We have to pour out in order to keep being filled up. But if we are simply spent on Him, we burn out quickly. In neither case are we effective for Him, nor do we benefit from Him for long. If we are to know Him, enjoy His Presence, and bear His fruit, we have to both receive from Him and give to Him. That’s the only way this relationship can work.

Continually receive from God—unashamedly and without apology. And continually burn for Him—again, unashamedly and without apology. That’s how lights in His Presence are meant to shine.

Spirit, flow into me and fill me abundantly and continually. And Father, let me burn for You abundantly and continually. Let me shine as fully as You designed me to do.