13th. May. 2021. Daily Devotion.

17 They made the lampstand of pure gold. They hammered out its base and shaft, and made its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them. 18 Six branches extended from the sides of the lampstand – three on one side and three on the other. 19 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms were on one branch, three on the next branch and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. 20 And on the lampstand were four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. 21 One bud was under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair – six branches in all. 22 The buds and the branches were all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. Exodus 37:17-22

In a way, the temple furnishings described in Exodus may seem similar to a piece of jewellery. Each item was different, having a unique shape and purpose. Most of the pieces were made of acacia wood, probably one of the few types of wood available to the Israelites in the desert as they crafted furnishings for use in the worship of God. Acacia wood was excellent for this purpose because it was hard and long-lasting. Insects would not eat it, and it would not easily rot or decay. And once it was shaped, the wood was overlaid with pure gold.

Then there was the lampstand, made of solid gold. It may seem rather ornate and random in its design. But with its six branches and its “cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms,” the lampstand resembled an almond tree as it gave light in the darkness. In those ancient times (and in some places still today), almond trees were a symbol of renewal and hope, because they were the first to flower after the months of winter.

So, together, the temple furnishings spoke a message of enduring hope and new life with God, indicating not only that God is faithful and reliable but also that, with him, the best is yet to come.

Lord, thank you for giving us new life now—and for the bright hope of eternity in the life to come. Amen.

Joy

Loving Lord, how grateful we are for the many joys in life that You in Your grace have bestowed on us in such abundance. Thank You for the simple things in life and those that we so often take for granted, for flowers and food, for mountains and streams, for our senses and the many joys that we gain from seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and touching.

Thank You for the joy of friends and family, for the sun and rain the seasons and the many phases of the weather that bring such variety, refreshment, warmth and healing. Thank You for the joy of singing praises to You, and thank You, Father, for the Lord Jesus in Whom is the fullness of joy. In His name we pray, Amen.

Help us in Mind and Heart

Lord Jesus Christ, come and save Your people from this pandemic.
Heal us in mind and heart. Grant us physical, social and spiritual blessings so that Your grace may cover the worldwith goodness and love. Lead us to hope for a way to live which honours Your Spirit in our hearts.  Help us to learn to be closer to You, Lord Jesus Christ. We pray this prayer in your Holy Name.  Amen.