Exodus 27:20-21 says 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.
What this means for us:
1. We need to be pure. The light is to come from pure oil. If we want to shine the light of God's kingdom we need to let it burn in purity, not filled with dirt and sin. We cannot allow ongoing sin in our lives. If the Holy Spirit, or another believer shows us an area of si
n, we must listen, and remove the sin. God's light either burns with purity or not at all.
2. It never goes out. The lamp is supposed to burn all night, permanently, from generation to generation. This means we can never "take a day off" from our faith. The light of God's kingdom never stops. It illuminates the darkness so we see where we are going. It shines in the darkness for others to see, and it never goes out.
3. It takes work. The light does not burn on its own. It needs a constant supply and tending. Our relationship with God needs to be maintained daily and constantly. Left alone for very long we will burn out and give no light. Oil usually represents the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. A daily commitment to live in the power of the Holy Spirit will keep you burning bright.