Write down this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel; put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for Me against the children of Israel. (Deuteronomy 31:19)
As I mentioned in the previous devotion, the song referred to recounts the failures of Israel and the faithfulness of Israel’s God. His people may stumble and fall but He is constantly watching over them, looking for those whose hearts are inclined to turn back to Him. Those who do are forgiven, delivered and restored. We could say then that, in every generation, there is a remnant who take the words of this song to heart and heed its message. In other words, there is always a spark of light that continues to burn in the darkness of exile.
In that vein of thought, consider the menorah, the seven-branched lamp stand. Contrary to popular opinion, the Menorah — not the Magen David — is emblematic of Israel, thus demonstrating that Israel is called to be a light to the nations. That being said, it is important to note that the light of the Menorah is called a perpetual light, meaning that all of the branches are designed to provide light for perpetuity. In reality, however, this was not always the case. For example, the bowls had to be cleaned and the wicks refreshed on a daily basis, meaning those branches did not burn continually. On the other hand, one lamp was always to be kindled — a light still burned. Then there was the time in the days of Eli the High Priest when the lamp of God was allowed to ebb low, but still, a light continued to flicker.
Though God’s people may have never been the light as we were intended to be — i.e. all branches burning without interruption — nevertheless, there has always a remnant that continued being light. Though it might ebb low God has never allowed, and will never allow, the Light to be completely extinguished — He always has a remnant. But from that remnant of light will come a flame that will burn throughout the world, so says the Word of the LORD through His prophets. And so as it grows ever darker in this world, may we continue to be the light — and may other branches be kindled by the light that burns in our lives so that the words of the prophet may come to pass in our day:
“Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1-2)
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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