Pressed To Shine

“Command the people of Israel to bring pure oil of pressed olives for the light to keep the lamps burning continually” Exodus 27:20 NLT

The only light provided in the tabernacle in Exodus 27 came from the oil of pressed olives. Olives need to be pressed to be used effectively.

Throughout the Bible, oil is used to symbolize the Holy Spirit. When David was anointed with oil, the Bible says that the Holy Spirit came upon him. (1 Samuel 16:13) So, this scripture speaks to God needing us to be continuously filled with His Spirit to be effective for His work in the world.  

Because we are the light-bearers of Christ, God uses a pressing work in our lives for His glory. We can only fulfill this function by the pressing and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, his Spirit must remain on fire in us constantly.

“Aaron and his sons must keep the lamps burning in the Lord’s presence all night.” Exodus 27:21 NLT

The priests needed to tend to the lamps, ensuring that they had enough oil to burn. They also needed to trim the wicks so the light would never go out. However, the pressing of the oil is the essential part. If the lamp is empty of oil, it doesn’t matter how often one trims the wick. The pressing is the fundamental component for the light to burn continuously.  

Trimming the wick of a candle can help maximize the candle’s life. So, the trimming God must do in us will maximize our life with him and how he can use us.

This process is never fun and doesn’t feel good. This time in your life could look like a season of drought, loneliness, struggle, or doubt. But we must remember we are being used by God almighty, and anything done for Him will not be an easy thing.

We should feel honored that the creator wants to use us for His work in the world. We have something to offer, and He wants to use it.

I encourage you to keep this in mind during the seasons of pressing. Think of how beautiful a candle shines when used in darkness. That is how beautiful you are when being used by God.