It was cool in the Holy place and there was no other light but that given by the golden candlestick, its light revealed the golden table of shewbread and the golden altar of incense. The candlestick had been beaten from one piece of solid gold. One of the priests daily duties was to replenish the lamp with oil the wicks had both to be trimmed back and the lamps adjusted daily.

Too much oil and the lamps would make smoke, too little oil and the light would grow dim. 1 Sam 3 v 3

Our priestly duties are to keep the, lamp of faith burning brightly, to make sure the oil flows freely and that the light burns brightly. Too much oil makes smoke (fleshly effort), but too little oil, quenches the Holy Spirit and our lights grow dim.

Let your light so shine among men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven. Math 5 v 11

The seven-branched candlestick reminds the seven churches, in which the Lord Jesus is in the midst. The light shining reminds us of the Light of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The light from the Lamp shines onto the shewbread, the bread of heaven, and the daily food for the priest. The Word of God upon which we feed. The light also shines onto the golden altar of incense where our daily prayers ascend to God, and are acceptable to God as incense. The light also reveals the fine white linen, which speaks of the righteousness of God. Rev 1 v 12

The light revealed the beauty of the candlestick itself, symbolising the oil of the Holy Spirit, illuminating the things of Christ Himself. The Holy Spirit illuminating the things of Christ, the gold that speaks of his divinity, the bread that speaks of his body broken on the cross for sinners, the incense ascending to God reminding us of the One, who ever lives to make intercession for us. Heb 7 v 25

The Holy place would have been cool and quite. The priest would have to work in the light of the lamp. We too as Christians are bid to walk and work in His light.

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanseth us from all sin.1 John 1 v 7

But Christ being come a High Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say not of this building. Neither by the blood of goats and calves but by His own blood he entered in once to the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9 v 11

Gen 1 v 3. John 8 v 12. Acts 9 v 3. Math 6 v 22. John 1 v 4/9. John 9 v 5.

What a testimony, a blameless life. Not a sinless life, for Paul was a sinner, only the Lord Jesus was without sin. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted, like we are, yet without sin. Heb 4 v 15

A holy life!

“For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness: God is our witness: Nor of men, sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cheriseth her children”.

Not many people would dare say, God is my witness. 1 Thess 2 v 5/7

According as he hath chosen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Ephes 1 v 4

He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Micah 6 v 8

Life style tells all!

Will ye steal, and murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense to Baal and walk after other gods, whom ye know not. And come and stand before me in this house which is called by my name, and say we are delivered to do all these abominations? Jer 7 v 9

Zach’a r’ias and Elisabeth the parents of John the Baptist,..were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. Luke 1 v 6

A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, and of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach. 1 Tim 3 v 2.

Not only a Bishop but Christians too! That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Philippians 2:15

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 2 Peter 3 v 14

Are our lives blameless? We must reflect the purity, holiness and Godliness of our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ.

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight. 2 Peter 3 v 14

In my younger days, rash impetuous youths were always falling from a bike or motorbike, and in the winter, children and teenagers would break bones falling off the high speed sledges or skis as they hurtled down the slopes of the South downs. As soon as there was a light dusting of snow the hospital casualty departments would be full of fracture victims.

Wherefore let him that thinketh he stand take heed lest he fall”. Are we safe? Can we stand when all around are falling? 1 Cor 10 v 12

In the tabernacle, the table displayed the shewbread; twelve freshly baked loaves set out representing twelve tribes of Israel. When Israel was called to move on, it was kept from falling off by a crown of gold for the border thereof. Ex 37 v12/1

On a ship in stormy waters you would be grateful for the guard-rail which prevented you from falling overboard. God too has his guard rail; I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Think of it! God’s hand holding you, keeping you from falling. Isaiah 41 v 10

In the last days we are warned that there will be a falling away among Christians and professors of religion. ”Let no man deceive you by any means for that day shall not come, except there be a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. 2 Thess 2 v 3

Now the Spirit expressly declares, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.1 Tim 4 v 1

I have been constantly shocked by the inroads the devil has made in England. Every facet of moral and Christian life has been eroded, and contaminated with the world’s evil standards. Babylon, the great is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird Rev 18 v 2

King Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick. No doubt, he thought he was perfectly safe in the palace, yet he fell. 2 Kings 1 v 2

King David in lamenting the death of his friend Jonathan said, How the mighty are fallen. 2 Sam 1 v 25/26

Satan sought to be lifted up like God but soon was cast down. Jesus said, Behold I saw Satan falling from heaven.. Luke 10 v 18

Are you walking steady? Do you need a helping hand or a zimmer? Will you remain steady or will you fall?

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy”. Jude v 24