Highlights:

Not only does the Lord speak, but in today's reading He commands. See what happened to a rebellious son who blasphemed the Name of the Lord (Lev. 24:11,16). Discover the significance of the Lord's number for perfection (seven) and its eventual climax in the liberty of Jubile (25:8-55).

He shall order the lamps upon the pure Candlestick before the Lord continually (Lev. 24:4). Aaron, the high priest, was responsible for keeping the light of the Golden Candlestick burning continually in the Holy Place, from evening to morning.

The light for the Golden Candlestick came from the sacred fire on the Altar. It was not produced by either Moses or Aaron, but it came directly from Jehovah, and was never permitted to go out (6:13).

There were no windows in the Holy Place to give light. The only light came from the source of supply of God. This is also true in the life of the believer; he cannot receive light on spiritual things from any natural source. Unless the Holy Spirit reveals — sheds light on — His Word, the Bible is a sealed Book, even to the most educated person. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto Him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (I Cor. 2:14). But the treasures of the Word of God are revealed to all who have Jesus, the Light of life, dwelling in them.

The light of His glorious Word continuously glows within and through the believer who prayerfully reads it each day. Although the Candlestick was made with precious gold, it was not intended to draw attention to itself. Its only purpose was to hold the oil so the light could shine forth in the Holy Place. This is a picture of the Christian who has within himself the Holy Spirit, who brings light and understanding of the Living Christ through His Word. Every Christian should desire to be only the container of the Light — Jesus Christ — and direct attention to Him. Ye are the light of the world. . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:14,16).

These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks (Rev. 2:1).

Thought for Today:

The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple (Ps. 119:130).

Christ Portrayed:

By the kinsman-redeemer (Lev. 25:47-55). Christ is our Savior and Redeemer who made us His kinsmen: Jesus Christ. . . . In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Eph. 1:5-7).

Word Studies:

24:3 Testimony, Ark of the Covenant; 24:6 pure table, table of pure gold; 24:8 Covenant, Commitment of Israel to be loyal to the Lord; 24:11 blasphemed, cursed; 24:15 bear his sin,  be held responsible; 25:10 hallow, set apart, sanctify; 25:14 oppress, cheat, take advantage; 25:35 be waxen poor, cannot support himself; 25:36 usury, interest on loans; 25:37 victuals, food, supplies; 25:43 rigour, ruthless severity, oppression; 25:45 begat, fathered.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts: Sponsored by Duane Estey • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. Walter Jones, Jr. (NC) • Country: Sao Tome and Principe (155,000) two larger and several smaller islands in the Gulf of Guinea, 125 miles off the western coast of Africa • Major language: Portuguese • Religious freedom is fairly new • 83% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant; 2% animist • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for safety in your travels (Rom. 1:10).

Optional Reading: Mark 13:1

Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 3:17