No doubt God is very detailed and in His detailing, He gave instructions to 2 categories of people – His Ministers (Shepherds,Priests, Pastors, Prophets etc) and His SHEEP (Believers, The Flock, Disciples, Brethren etc). Both parties in Exodus 27 vs 20 -21 are expected to align with His given instructions.
In lightening and tending to the lamp, God instructed Aron and his sons (they were 4 sons plus Aron, 5 in total) to keep the light burning from evening to morning. (In my analogy, I’d say they had to take turns in keeping the light on, probably staying awake for at least 2 hours plus each from dusk to dawn continually). This means that for a Minister to function excellently before God as a Priest, staying up to search the scriptures for the sole aim of teaching and enlightening God’s people is his/her first and primary assignment. This is a command from God and shouldn’t be debated upon.
Secondly, as the priests were asked to light and tend to the lamps, the Ministers task is to expound and teach the scriptures to enlighten the church (God’s people upon the earth) on sound doctrines, the will of God and Christian living. Prov 25 vs 1 says it’s the glory of God to conceal a matter and it’s also the glory of kings to search it out (paraphrased).
Thirdly, just as the priest lightened and tended to the lamp, Ministers are also meant to guide and teach the congregants absolute dependence on God. And God in His divine power will bring a lasting transformation to their life’s. Furthermore, in lighting and tending the lamp, Ministers are to offer sacrifices (through fasting, consecration of their time, resources etc) and placing intercessions on behalf of the congregants. In doing this, with the help of the Holy Spirit, the Minister will always address and resolve issues relating to the life of the believers through teaching and word study sessions.
Finally,in lighting and tending the lamp, Ministers are meant to teach believers to differentiate between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error; ability to identify the events of the end time and it’s false doctrines, focusing on godliness, which is profitable for all. (1 Timothy 4 vs 1-16, 1 John 1 vs 6)
In response to the service offered by the Ministers to the congregation, believers are also expected to bring to God’pure oil of pressed olives’ (Exodus 27 vs 20) through the manifestation of the gifts and graces of the Spirit, received from Christ. These manifestations (Word of Knowledge, Word of Wisdom, Faith, Speaking in Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Discerning of Spirits, Prophecy, Miracles and gifts of Healing) are expected to be seen in the believers interactions with others, in the various sectors or industry, homes, communities and different areas of our lives in order to build up the faith community, deepen spiritual missions and promote unity and love on the earth.
In conclusion, the ministers assignment are Scriptural Mastery, Guiding the flock to depend on God, Sacrificial Intercessions and Guiding the flock on Spiritual Discernment. Whilst the believers response to this, is to manifest the gifts of the Spirit and influence the market place with these gifts and use them to deepen kingdom missions, foster love and unity in the body of Christ.
As light or members of the body of Christ, we are expected to infuse the earth will these teachings received and influence it for Christ.
Shalom 🕊️
Bimpe Lawal