The Light Is Important

The LORD said to Moses, “Give Aaron the following instructions: When you set up the seven lamps in the lampstand, place them so their light shines forward in front of the lampstand.” So Aaron did this. He set up the seven lamps so they reflected their light forward, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. [Numbers 8.1-3] 

On this date in 2020, I wrote the article What Does It Mean? offering insight into the arrangement of the Holy Place furnishings.

In addition to that 2020 article, I would add observations today about the significance of the phrase just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

If we understand that everything about the Tabernacle (as well as everything in the Old Testament) points to Jesus, we begin to understand just how important it is that God's instructions be followed. This importance is not religious speculation, but is confirmed by Jesus Himself:

You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! [John 5.39]

With this established, Jesus' strict demand then upon His followers can be understood with as much importance:

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)]

It should not be overlooked that God the Father commanded specific instructions concerning Jesus at the Mount of Configuration:

But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” [Matthew 17.5]

In conclusion, the direction of the "light" (as specified in the subject passage above) is never to be considered random. God is Light (1 John 1.5). Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8.12). The "direction" of the Light is specific. The Light illuminates God's Way. Everything else is darkness, disobedience, and idolatry. To explain everything this implies right here would require reciting the entire Bible...

Father, I am overwhelmed with Your Word. Never has Your Word seemed more significant to me than it has today. May this revelation continue as I submit myself to Jesus, Your Word, and as Your Holy Spirit helps the process. May Your Light be reflected from me as I gaze upon it! So be it!