Burning the Midnight Oil

 



Exodus 27 : 20,21

“Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening till morning. "



In this competitive world there is always so much to study and deadlines to meet. Many of you are burning the midnight oil to complete your projects, prepare for exams, etc. But let me draw your attention to a new kind of oil God talked about to his chosen people, Israel.



In the book of Exodus, chapters 26-30 God gives precise instructions to Moses to build a tabernacle, where God will dwell among his people. One particular article drew my attention. It is the golden lampstand. God had asked Moses to instruct Aaron and his sons to keep this lamp burning before the Lord from evening till morning. In order for these lamps to burn, they needed oil. Aaron and his sons (the priests) were to keep on monitoring the oil and topping it up so that the lamps don't go off during the night. 


So what is the significance of this for our life? Oil is often used to indicate the HolySpirit in the bible. So in order for each of us to shine in God’s presence, we need to make sure we are filled with the HolySpirit daily. We cannot afford to sleep or be lethargic and let the oil of the HolySpirit be emptied from us.


Even as you burn the midnight oil to work hard and succeed in this world, have you asked God to fill you with the HolySpirit so you can shine for His glory?



Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, your word says that you will give the HolySpirit to those who ask. Please fill us with the oil of your HolySpirit so that we may shine bright, for your glory. In the precious name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.


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