Beaten Bulb

“And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.” (Ex 27:20 AV)

There is a lot of symbolism in the design and function of the tabernacle.  Of course, the lamp that gives light is the evidence of the life that is in the olive.  The olive and olive tree are often used as symbols of Israel.  The fact this oil was from the beaten olive is even more symbolic.  The emblem of the lamp that is lit by the oil that is beaten from the olive beautifully pictures the process by which the light of Christ is shown by the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.

Olive oil is garnered by a two-tiered process.  The first produces the purest of oils. After harvesting, the olive is placed in a mortar.  It is gently pressed so as not to break down the pulp of the fruit.  Gentle and even pressure is the force by which the oil is extracted.  The first process involved little or no heat.  This oil is then strained through a cloth to remove even the slighted of impurities.  The second level of extraction is to them take the bruised or pressed olive and apply greater pressure with heat.  This breaks down the pulp and extracts every last drop of oil from the olive.  However, because the pulp of the fruit is broken down, it often finds its way into the oil.  This sediment is what makes the second extraction of oil much less pure in its quality.

What is also important to note is the lamps in the tabernacle required the purest of olive oil lest the less pure oil extinguish the flame.  The sediment of the less pure oil would hinder sufficient oil to climb the wick and remain burning.  This we learn a great lesson in the light of God’s glory in the life of the believer.  If the glorious light of the gospel of Christ shine abroad, it will only come by the trials of God’s pressure on our lives.  This is what creates the purity of character and testimony that becomes the foundation of the light of God’s gospel.  It is a difficult thing to admit that when our oil becomes less pure, so does our fervency to reach others with the gospel of Christ.  I know this as a life’s experience.  It seems the times that I have the deepest love and concern for the souls of others is when I am the most right with the Father.  When I harbor sin in the heart, then my love and concern for the souls of others wanes.  This flame will only come from gently applied pressure.  Life is all about transformation and purity.  It is all about conversion and transformation.  This often takes applied pressure.  But in the end, the light will not go out.  So, the question is simple.  Will we welcome God’s applied pressure that the light of the gospel and glory of God not go out?