FOR GOOD REASON
Today's reading: Numbers 5-8

"The Lord said to Moses, Tell Aaron that when he sets up the seven lamps in the lampstand, he is to place them so that their light shines forward." Numbers 8:1 NLT

Lamps and lampstands were used in the Jewish faith to represent God's presence among His people. The priests were in charge of making sure the lampstands were burning brightly to signify the Tabernacle, the temple, the tent of worship was 'open for business'.

Specific directions were given as to what type of lampstand was to be fashioned, intricate detail was given to indicate the types of lamps (candles or oil-burning) were to be used--and as we read this morning, instruction as to which direction the lamp's light was to be shining.

My take on why...

As we worship, coming into our churches or knelt in our prayer closets, we must focus on the fact that God is present. Not that He was present yesterday, last week or when the Israelites roamed the wilderness, but that He's with us today. We can use the instruction given regarding the lampstand to remind us that today is illuminated with His presence. Our next step is lit up with His guiding light. What was done yesterday by the Lord is worthy of our thanks, but who He is today, in the here and now, is deserving of our praise.

Is the light of your praise for God facing forward? Are you praising Him regardless of what He's done, the miracles you've seen Him do, the ways He has blessed you in the past--or are you in awe, reverent awe, of who He continues to be?