I got this little oil lamp in Nazareth and it has been on our mantle ever since I got back home from Israel.
Yesterday, the kids asked if we could please light it. So we did… And I wondered why I had waited until now to do so.
That little tiny light brought so much joy to our hearts. The kids were fascinated with how the oil lamp worked and I was so inspired by remembering the olive press in Nazareth Village.
In Bible times, the oil used in lamps was the third press. The first press was given to God. The second press was used for your household (baking, etc.). And the third press was what was used for the oil in the lamps.
There was so much spiritual significance in this for me. Life is full of things that press in, squeeze, and bruise us. We can feel stressed, frustrated, and broken by these things.
Without the pressing, we would never have oil for lamps. Those things that press in on us, they are part of our story, part of our refining. And the things that crush and overwhelm us can be what God uses to bring light and hope to others.
So today, when you face the hard things that come up, remember that this might be the very thing that is going to be used in a powerful way in someone else’s life.
Cassie says
My husband and I have a chance to visit Israel next year. But all I can think is having God meet me at the pearly gates saying, “I gave you that feeling in your heart so you would stay HOME. Why’d you go?!” I know…have faith that He’ll protect us. But, a mom has to worry about leaving the kiddos behind at home. Love your blog!
Jessica says
Thank you for this timely message. Yesterday, my kids and I were rear-ended by a distracted driver. We were coming home from story time at the library. I was driving at 35 mph. The driver dropped her smartphone and went to pick it up and hit me. It turns out she was driving on a 1 year suspended license. My 3 year old said her head hurt. I have a neck and shoulder injury and had to go to the ER for a CT scan.
Today I’ve been dealing with both insurance parties – at least the other driver was insured. I have a rental vehicle. It could have been a lot worse. We were all buckled and I was driving the speed limit.
Lizzy says
My husband lived in Israel for 6 months before we were married with his family volunteering at a guesthouse. He has one of these lamps, I don’t know about yours, but his is quite leaky, and he says it is like the Scripture about how we are earthen vessels, leaking out the Holy Spirit wherever we go.
Victoria Osborn says
I love how God uses everyday, ordinary objects to remind us of His faithfulness and goodness, even when we feel alone and in the valley. Thank you for you encouragement today!
Rosanna says
What a beautiful post! At one point in my life, I think I thought that if I just did things a certain way, (the right way in my mind) then my life would be free from hard things. Our neighbor’s 18-year-old son just died two days ago from a fairly long battle with brain cancer, a 2-year-old boy drowned in a creek near his family’s country home just two months ago and it took searcher’s 7 days to find him, 5 years ago a 38-year-old friend was killed when he hit a train during a white out snow storm, our dear friend’s lost a baby to still birth almost one year ago. I live in a small community and all these things have happened right here. It’s hard to understand sometimes, but beyond that, I know that God is good. The day my friend’s baby died, I led Worship for a Wednesday Evening service and remembered that in the midst of that, God is still good. Life is definitely full of pressing.
angela crossno says
Thank you for this precious reminder of truth.
Aimee says
I needed this so much today. God has reminded me that he is with me through the difficult times (Isaiah 43:2).
Emilie says
Thank you for this beautiful insight. It is very true.
God made light and gave it to each of us. Even if it is hidden under a bushel basket, a little comes out through the cracks. Maybe your light is not for yourself to see something, but for others to see the truth because of you.
Kk brand says
I just received that lamp as a gift from a friend returning from Nazareth. What do you use for a wick? Thanks for sharing.
Crystal Paine says
It came with a wick!
Antonella says
In Italy you can find round cotton wicks in hardware stores. Maybe you could just look for “oil lamp wick” on ebay or similar websites. Hope this helps 🙂
Elizabeth says
I do so hope you are right, and that some good thing will come from all that has come to me and some of my friends too…I surely hope!!
Anna says
Thank you so much for this post. I’m being pressed by this “cancer” thing. I just need to wait for light that comes after…
Joely says
God Bless and may you have strength as you battle your cancer. I will say a prayer for you.