Joshua Boyd
A Walk Through the Bible - Part 11 - The Tabernacle 6
Keep Your Lamp Lit
A Walk Through the Bible: The Tabernacle
God’s purpose for the Tabernacle was always about dwelling with His people. Every part of it was built according to the heavenly pattern—a shadow of something greater and more glorious in God’s presence (Hebrews 8:5). Today, under the New Covenant, we are the temple of God and His Spirit dwells in us (1 Corinthians 3:16).
In this message, we turn our attention to the golden lampstand—the menorah.
Unlike much of the Tabernacle furniture, the lampstand was made entirely of pure gold. Its seven lamps were fueled with pure olive oil and were to be kept burning continually. Most importantly, the lampstand was the only source of light inside the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:31–40; 27:20–21).
Revelation gives us a glimpse of the heavenly reality behind this earthly pattern. Before God's throne are seven burning flames, described as the sevenfold Spirit of God (Revelation 4:5).
But if we are now God's temple, what provides light within us?
Jesus said:
“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body.” — Luke 11:34
What we continually place before our eyes matters. God's Word brings light into areas that were once dark. At first, our understanding may seem like a small flashlight—just enough light to take the next step. But as we continue in the Word, that light grows brighter.
We begin to see God's promises concerning salvation, peace, deliverance, provision, healing, freedom from fear, and every other area where darkness once kept us stumbling.
And eventually, the light isn't only helping us see—it begins helping others find their way.
The enemy works in the opposite direction. Second Corinthians 4 describes Satan as blinding people's minds so they cannot see “the glorious light of the Good News.” But God has caused His light to shine in our hearts. We are fragile jars of clay carrying an extraordinary treasure: the light and power of God.
Darkness cannot overcome light. Even the smallest light changes a dark room.
So if there is an area where you're continually stumbling, don't simply accept the darkness. Get some light there. Find the Scriptures that speak to that area and keep them before your eyes. You may begin with only one promise you understand, but keep walking in the light you have.
How Do We Keep Our Lamps Lit?
1. Read the Bible.
Devotionals, books, studies, and other resources can be helpful, but they are supplements. Keep Scripture itself before your eyes. God's Word is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
2. Protect your light.
When God gives you understanding in an area, guard it and continue growing in it. Don't allow experiences, distractions, deception, or popular opinions to extinguish what God's Word has revealed.
3. Shine your light.
Light is meant to be shared. Like one candle lighting another, sharing what God has shown you helps bring light into someone else's darkness—and together our lights become brighter.
The world needs points of light. Every church can be a streetlight in a dark city, but so can every believer. You can be a light in your workplace, your family, your neighborhood, and everywhere God has placed you.
You don't have to illuminate everything at once. Start with the light you have. Keep God's Word before your eyes. Keep walking toward the light. Help someone else along the way.
If you're stumbling, you need some light.
Keep your lamp lit, keep walking in the light, and you will be able to see the way clearly, finish your race strong, and help others find their way too.
Key Scriptures
Exodus 25:31–40; Exodus 27:20–21; Hebrews 8:5; 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; Revelation 4:5; Luke 11:33–36; 2 Corinthians 4:4–7; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 4:18; Matthew 25:1–13
