S) "20 You shall charge the sons of Israel, that they bring you clear oil of beaten olives for the light, to make a lamp burn continually."
Exodus 27:20 (NASB)
O) This literal instruction shouldn't be taken out of context, because the ordinances of the temple are not exactly relevant after Jesus came to fulfill The Law. However, there are a couple of principles that this command brings to light. First, this charge to the sons of Israel is somewhat vague. It is exact, in that the oil must be clear and of beaten olives, and that it is to be used for light, but it is not clear how much is needed, how often it should be brought, etc. What is clear, however, is that this is a separate offering than the required sacrifices and tithes. If a person's livelihood was in the production of oil, then I suppose they might fulfill both commands simultaneously, but again, it's not really defined to that degree. Essentially, what we're left with, is God telling His people, "There is a need; fill it." He has a requirement for a lamp to burn pure oil, and that oil has to come from somewhere, and He is telling His people, "Bring oil." The second principle that we can see at work, is that this need is never going to be quenched. There will never be enough oil. Also, oil will spoil, which means they couldn't really build up a huge storehouse of oil. God is telling His people that there will be a perpetual need, and they must answer that call continually. He does not name a specific tribe or profession, but leaves it open-ended and all-inclusive. It is the responsibility of every individual to ensure that the temple has oil (really good oil) for light.
A) While this instruction is not directly applicable to my life, it very nearly is. The temple's need for oil to burn is quite analogous to the very tangible, very real needs of my own church building. The world economy makes things different, for sure. I do not possess lamp oil, ever. My church doesn't use it much, I think. There are a great many consumables that my church does use, but even then, I may or may not have those things - or even access to those things. But, we have common currency. My current church is quite blessed, financially. We have a congregation of faithful tithers and a church council of responsible stewards. Still, occasionally, there are needs that arise. Unexpected expenses or calamity, or spontaneous desires to bless another church, or some external ministry. This verse above is applicable in those times. There will always be something that comes up, and I must be willing to fill those needs. This attitude of generous living extends to every area of my life, especially the principle that the needs never end. I cannot allow myself to think that I have a quota for any good work. There is no divine checklist. There is no retirement from doing good. There is no time card for filling a need.
P) Father, the patience displayed in Your grace toward me is amazing. Your mercy endures forever, and is new with each morning. Thank You God! I am in need of Your mercy over and over, but You never tire of forgiveness. You never tire of doing good to me. I am in constant need, but You are never exhausted. Convict me quickly, if I am ever tempted to resent Your call to do good. Rebuke me sharply, if I ever feel as though I've done enough already, and shouldn't have to do more. Instead, let it be my pleasure every time I can do anything for Your glory. Let it be my pleasure to be like my Father God, who never tires of doing for those He loves. Whether it is for my wife, or kids, or for people I don't even know, give me a compassionate heart that responds to Your grace and mercy with grace and mercy for others. Give me a heart that responds to Your unceasing heart to provide, with a heart of my own that wishes to glorify You by providing for others. I want to reflect Your love, by showing people a glimpse of that same kind of grace. Remind me, Father, that Your glory is at stake, every time there is an opportunity for me to meet a need. So, be glorified in my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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