Read Leviticus 24:1-9
The planner/organizer in me couldn’t help but let my mind get stuck a moment on how many hours a pot of olive oil would keep the lamp burning—an hour, ten hours. That would make a difference in how Aaron arranged his life so that the light would never go out.
Aaron had been given great responsibility in the eyes of the LORD. The laws were given to protect and provide for the Israelites, and Aaron played a very big role in making sure the laws were carried out. At least the ones with his name assigned, which as priest he seemed to be God’s “go-to” peacekeeper/director.
I closed my eyes and tried to picture the tabernacle and the continuous lamp burning bright, the best I could from descriptions we’re given elsewhere in the Bible. It helps to transport my thinking back to the actual time these laws were first instituted.
As a kid, I recall having an “eternal light” burning in our church. I wonder if it was filled with oil by those nice ladies who always tended to church things, the altar guild. Such a faithful group of women of faith deserving of respect for all they did behind the scenes. That light was always on, burning bright. There wasn’t a switch. We should be so lucky to always be “on,” no stress of life to shut us down.
The second part of this reading, that talks about the twelve loaves of bread, came to life for me, too. Not long ago, our youth group saw the episode of The Chosen that plays out a scene where this bread was claimed by King David, before he was king. It’s helpful to know why David eating this bread was such a big deal. This holy bread was never intended for consumption by anyone other than the priests.
The story about King David and this bread can be found in 1 Samuel 21. Did you know that Jesus even uses this David example in his teaching about hypocrisy? To follow Jesus’ story, Matthew took note in Matthew 12:1-14. I was also trying to imagine the size bread would be if it used a gallon of flour. One was not enough, because God wanted twelve. Would those bread loaves look something like large, very plump tortillas?
Aaron was now being given more instruction for how a holy priest would conduct business in leading the people. If Aaron was thinking he had too much on his plate already, did he make his plans known? Perhaps Aaron recognized God was responding because of Aaron’s allegiance and trust.
I want to respond to God in that way. I want my obedience to be clear. When I see God’s fingerprints on my life, I want to be confident I’ve been steered in the right direction. If it’s God’s way, it’s my way.
Let’s pray. Father, you are incredible, all-knowing, forgiving, merciful, loving, and so much more. Ignite my passion like the eternal light burning bright. I don’t seek glory, but only to glorify you. Empty my heart of me and my desires so that I will be open and ready to be filled with you and your way. Your future for me is so much better than I could ever imagine. May you shine through me so I can be a blessing to those I encounter today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
