Keep the Lamps Burning
When the Tabernacle and later the Temple were established, the Lord gave specific instructions to keep the lamps, (the Menorah), and the incense continually burning in the Holy Place. The Menorah was made of one piece of molten gold which had 66 different designed parts. This represents the Word of God, being sixty-six books in one Book. The incense symbolizes the prayers of the saints, (Rev. 5.8). They were to never go out. Yet at various times in Israel’s history; this daily worship of God was neglected and at times even despised. When this happened the results were disastrous for Israel. The anger of the Lord burned against them and their enemies triumphed over them. Yet, time and time again, God’s love and mercy for His people responded to their cries and He gave them a leader who then restored them to a right standing before God. The lamps were once again lit and the incense ascended through the veil to the Holy of Holies.
It seems that desperation is the one thing that most brings us before the Lord. In our need we remember God, but we so easily forget the Lord when all is going well. The lamps need to be continually burning. We are to pray without ceasing. The Word is a continual lamp before our feet and a light to our path. Why do we wait till we stumble and fall in the darkness before we think of turning on the light? In desperation a father, of a tormented child, sought out the Master’s help. When he arrived to where the disciples were camped, Jesus was not there. He was with the Father on the mountain. He was trimming His lamps and as He fellowshipped with His Father, He radiated with the brilliance of divine light. The disciples could not help the troubled boy, but when Jesus returned, He said to them: “Bring him to me.”
Children can be a great joy or a bitter weight to their parents. They can be filled with God or possessed by the devil. Sin is there. It is lurking at their door, waiting to sift them and gain control. Don’t wait for the turbulence of their teen years, the rebellious resistance to your care or the debilitation of sickness to bring them to Jesus. Start while they are still in the womb. Continue to pray when they are sweetly responding to you, when they are obedient and giving you such joy. Bring them to Jesus when there is no apparent need; just to be blessed. Pray early for their future spouses, for their careers and direction in life. Don’t wait for problems to manifest to pray. Confess the Word over them early in life and pray without ceasing.
In the book of Revelations, the prayers of the saints, which are compared to incense, were contained in golden bowls. As they are filled they are then poured out before the throne of God. I am sure some bowls are bigger than others, as I am sure some needs require more prayer than others. When the disciples asked Jesus why they could not expel the demons from the tormented boy, Jesus responded by saying: “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer, (Mark 9.29). Some ancient texts add the phrase, “and fasting”.
It is hard work to keep your lamps burning. It is a daily exercise and discipline. Paul said of Epaphras that he worked hard on behalf of the Colossian Church by continually praying for them, (Col. 4.2, 12-13). By being vigilant in prayer we can frustrate the plans of the enemy. So keep your lamps burning.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Ex. 25.6; I Sam. 3.3; Ex. 27.20; Rev. 5.8; 8.3-5; Mark 9.19, I Thess. 1.2; 5.17; Eph. 6.18