Numbers 8
BEATEN

If you have been reading through Numbers chapter 8, did you notice the unusual emphasis given to the lampstand? The lampstand had already been made, but the method of its construction is repeated for us. “And this was the workmanship of the lampstand, hammered work of gold. From its base to its flowers, it was hammered work; according to the pattern that the LORD had shown Moses, so he made the lampstand.” (Numbers 4 v 8 ESV).

The lampstand held the lamps, and the lamps gave light. What is also important to note is that the oil that fed the lamps is described in a similar way: “pure beaten olive oil for the light, that a lamp may regularly be set up to burn.” (Exodus 27 v 20).

Both the lampstand and the oil were produced by beating, crushing and bruising. Yet for all the beating, they eventually came out according to the pattern God had planned for them.

Jesus was beaten, smitten, crushed, pierced and wounded – and yet he was the greatest and most perfect light the world has ever seen.

We too are disciplined by God so that we can be changed and shine brightly for him. He has a plan of glory for us, just as he had for the lampstand. One day we will be able to look back on the pain and be able to see God’s glory radiating from us.

May our lights shine brightly this week.

With love in our Lord,
Robert

More at Thinky Things this week…

Sharon’s Segment
Guide To Being a Great Neighbour

Sharon explores the parable of the Good Samaritan to find six principles that can help us all become great neighbors to the people around us. This is a great read and you can find it at  https://thinkythings.com/sharon/

Short Story
Hands of Love

3 Minutes to read
A connection is made when hands touch.
Enjoy the poem that tells the true story of a couple whose hand-holding has formed a life-long bond. A piece of autobiography by Robert Prins. Read it at www.thinkythings.com/shortstories/

Thinky Things Proverbs

If you are following the daily reading chart, you will have been reading though the book of Proverbs in the last few days. Thinky Things Proverbs, by Robert Prins, has a great selection of thoughts on every chapter of Proverbs. Find out where to get your copy at www.thinkythings.com/purchase/

The Story of the Song Of Solomon

And, speaking of the daily readings, we will be coming up to the Song of Solomon is a couple of weeks, so while you are at it, grab a copy of The Story of the Song of Solomon, by Robert Prins. In this short booklet, Robert tells the story of the song to give us context to the words of the drama we read in our Bibles. Find out where to get your copy at www.thinkythings.com/purchase/