KEEP THE FIRE BURNING

Exodus 27:20-21

“Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually.

The lampstand will stand in the Tabernacle, in front of the inner curtain that shields the Ark of the Covenant. Aaron and his sons must keep the lamps burning in the Lord’s presence all night. This is a permanent law for the people of Israel, and it must be observed from generation to generation.

How did the first family who had direct interaction with the Heavenly Father, though we know they left His presence because of disobedience, but how did the people after them all lose their interaction with God so much that the whole world had to be wiped away?

The fire was no longer burning.

Remember what God said when He chose Abraham.

Genesis 18:19

I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised.”

Once the fire stops burning, the people begin to go astray.

This is the essence of this devotional. People ask why do you keep feeding them the word even when you are tired, stressed, facing challenges etc.

The reason is simple: The fire must keep burning.

The moment you cease to feed the flock be ready for a lot of falling away.

It was a permanent law that Aaron and his sons should keep the lamps burning.

Relate with what Paul taught:

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

Listen just as the next two verses says:

2 Timothy 4:3-4

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.

They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

It is what it is now, many have become so smart that they put the scriptures aside to follow philosophies and ideologies. They relate with those who say that there is no God, or that there is an alternative to Him.

Scriptures isn't that sacred anymore, they join others to criticize the translations of the bible. They leave the word to follow semantics and flaws from one language to another. The love has gone cold!

They forget that at salvation, it was not just about a spoken word but an interaction with the Almighty. When anyone comes to Christ they experience a direct impact from God one that is different from what they have ever encountered before. It was just like what the children of Israel experienced at mount Sinai, but much more. 

1 Corinthians 2:4-5

And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.

I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

However, just like them many forget that first experience and when challenges of the world or other type of distractions arises they easily bow to its pressure.

The fire must be kept burning.

Acts 2:42,44-47

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.

They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—

all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

That is how awesome it is was when it begins, however as the gathering becomes larger there will be need to expand, also the mixed multitudes begin to set in.

Listen, as a parent or adult child is the fire burning for the Lord in your home? Is there an altar where the lamps are kept burning? Is there prayers, study of the word, worship, true fellowship day and night? That is the evidence of the fire burning.

Look at the verses again:

Exodus 27:20-21

“Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually.

The lampstand will stand in the Tabernacle, in front of the inner curtain that shields the Ark of the Covenant. Aaron and his sons must keep the lamps burning in the Lord’s presence all night. This is a permanent law for the people of Israel, and it must be observed from generation to generation.

The priests must keep the lamps burning, however all the people were suppose to supply the oil that will sustain the burning.

EVERYONE HAS A PART TO PLAY.

No one is left out, we must all play our part to keep the fire burning, we have divers gifts and we all have the word, carrying the Spirit, let us wake up and bring in the oil. Keep the fire burning.

May our fire never be put out. We will light up the world around us to find the Lord and worship Him. Our very works will bring God praise even from the lips of those who did not believe.

Help us Good Lord.

Glory to God forevermore.

He calls us blessed.

Love

@the watcher