Shine

Regarding the candlestick, most commentators say that the golden candlestick was the only source of light in the Holy place. There are a few commentators that say it was not the sole source of light (sunlight during the daylight hours being the other light source). Therefore, all agree that it was the only source of light in the Holy place...at night.

Nicodemus came to Jesus in the darkness of the night (John 3:2). While it was yet dark, Jesus says: And this is the judgment, that light is come into the world, and men have loved darkness rather than light; for their works were evil. For every one that does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light that his works may not be shewn as they are; but he that practises the truth comes to the light, that his works may be manifested that they have been wrought in God.

In case there was any doubt about what, or who the light was, Jesus later explains, Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world; he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

Jesus is the light. Come to Him and your works may be shewn as they are. Do you practice truth? The light will manifest works...that they have been wrought in God. But all things having their true character exposed by the light are made manifest; for that which makes everything manifest is light. Eph. 5:13

The light shows the path and exposes true character.

And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as Jehovah had commanded Moses. Numbers 8:3

‘Over against’ could have been translated ‘before’ or ‘in front of’. One commentator says that this means that light from the lamps were to provide light to the lampstand (or candlestick) itself. Aaron was to light the lamps so that the light lights up the candlestick. While I’m sure that the rest of the room was filled with light (remember, everything is gold and gold is highly reflective), the primary purpose of the light was to cast light on itself.

Isn’t this what Jesus did while He was here on this planet? Gold is a symbol of deity. Jesus, in everything He did, didn’t He show forth His Deity? His true character was (is) His Deity, like the reflection of gold.

As long as I am in the world, I am [the] light of the world. John 9:5

Jesus was the light of the world on a temporary basis. Now He is no longer in the world, but is there light? Did He take the light with Him? Is the light out? Of course not.

In Mathew 5:14, Jesus tells His followers Ye are the light of the world... and since they are...Let your light thus shine before men, so that they may see your upright works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens. Mat. 5:16

The golden candlestick was lit in such a way that it casts light against itself. Jesus when He was on the earth, was the light of the world shining on Himself reflecting His Deity. We are now reflecting the light of His Diety before men. Or, we should be.

shine
make ´em wonder what you´ve got
make ´em wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored
shine
let it shine before all men
let´em see good works, and then
let ´em glorify the Lord - The Newsboys