Have you considered how beautiful light is? This morning with a soft drizzle falling, the light from the window is soft and touches everything gently. The color is a soft almost yellow-green so pale the color is only hinted. I love light in all its forms. It fills my soul and washes over my heart. Light is important to God. The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to Aaron and say to him, ‘When you set up the lamps, see that all seven light up the area in front of the lampstand.’” Numbers 8:1-2. I can only imagine how beautiful that light was as it was able to illuminate the beauty of the gold lampstand holding it and gave light so they would never stumble in darkness.

When I look at the back of my Bible to the Dictionary/Concordance, there are so many beautiful references to light that illuminate God in words…Let there be light (Genesis 1:3); in a pillar of fire to give them light (Ex. 13:21); so that they may light the space in front (Ex. 25:37); What is the way to the abode of light (Job 38:19); Let the light of your face shine on us (Ps. 4:6); my God turns my darkness into light (Ps. 18:28); giving light to the eyes (Ps. 19:8); Lord is my light and my salvation (Ps. 27:1); in your light we see light (Ps. 36:9); who walk in the light of your presence (Ps. 89:15); wraps himself in light as with (Ps. 104:2); a light for my path (Ps. 119:105); The unfolding of your words gives light (Ps. 119:130); for darkness is as light to you (Ps. 139:12); till the full light of day (Prov. 4:18);…and that is just a sampling there are many more.

And then, we come to the setting apart of the Levites to help Aaron and his sons in the work of the Lord v. 5-22. Moses, Aaron and the whole Israelite community did with the Levites just as the Lord commanded Moses. v. 20. God claimed the Levites and said the Levites will be mine. v. 14. Can you imagine?

But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1.

I think our Creator God who knows the name of every star He created, who knows the number of hairs on our heads, who knows our name…He has summoned us by name; we are His. This is what the Lord says – Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty; I am the first and the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people; and what is yet to come – yes, let them foretell what will come. Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No there is no other Rock; I know not one. Isaiah 44:6-8.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12.

God’s love is poured out and lights our way and many receive it gladly. Many more will in time. God doesn’t abandon His children. His love is not exclusive. He is our Redeemer and we are His dearly loved. His love, His light is teaching me to let go of hate. It’s not easy. But I’m learning from Him that hate lives in darkness and needs that darkness to survive and flourish.

So I take heart. I will remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14. The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1. I won’t be afraid because Jesus, Creator God, is the light of the world that lights our path and leads us out of darkness. He instructed Aaron in the lamps so that all seven light up the area in front of the lampstand. No darkness there! Let there be Light!