December 11th Majestic Menorah

Exodus 25:31, 32, and 37

31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.

32 And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:.....

37 And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.

When God gave Moses instructions to build the Tabernacle one of the key worship instruments would be the golden lampstand or menorah. For centuries the menorah has been the key symbol of the Jewish people And the nation of Israel..Placed on currency, documents and of course in every place of worship. The temple menorah had one light in the middle and 3 branch lights on each side making a total of seven lamps. Seven of course is the number of completion or perfection. This symbolizes our God Jehovah who is the complete and perfect light. The lamps were supplied with pure oil to burn symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Without oil in the lamp there was no burning and no light.

The menorah also symbolizes the role Of God’s people - shining Jehovah’s light to all people As the only true source of light that will last throughout eternity. That’s why the menorah light was to never go out in the temple. (Exodus 37:21)

People also worship at home. A menorah with 7 branches was not permitted outside the Tabernacle or Temple. Therefore we find the Hannukah menorah used today to celebrate the festival of light has nine branches. The middle branch is offset at a different level than the other eight. It is called the shamash or “servant light.“ It is used to light all the others.

Much more could be said about the Majestic Menorah. As I thought about this lampstand the Lord gave me this thought. The servant light is Jesus - who is the light of the world and lit all others. Eight is the number of new beginnings in the Bible. He came as Light of the World to give mankind a chance for a new beginning. Now we are the “servant” candles!