3 October Leviticus 24

The “beaten” olives of life

Leviticus 24:1-2 (NIV) “The Lord said to Moses, “Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning continually”.

The "pressing" of olives to collect valuable oil is like the life of God's people. The shaking represents how we must be "pressed" to realise our sins, turn to God, and change our way of life to match His standards.

Romans 12:2 (NIV) “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will”. In this way the Peter’s first sermon confirmed, Acts 2:37-38 (NIV) “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”.

For any of us to become truly converted, we must first be shaken up, stirred up in our hearts and minds and anxious to make amends. Peter’s sermon pleaded for change: Acts 2:40 (NIV) With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”

Secondly, after we are "shaken" and change our lives, we must go through humbling experiences, suffering, and difficulties. This helps us grow in righteousness and produce good fruits like the valuable olive oil. Psalm 34:19 (AMP) Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, But the Lord rescues him from them all. The following verses confirm a required change:

Psalm 55:22 (AMP) “Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail)”.

Psalm 119:71 (NIV) “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees”.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it”.

James 1:2-4 (AMP) “Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing”.

Just like the poor olives, we too must be crushed, beaten down, and humbled, so that we can produce much good fruit for God’s Kingdom!

In conclusion, just as olives must be pressed and beaten to produce pure oil, we too must go through trials and challenges in our lives. These hardships shape us, transforming us to align with God's will and helping us bear the fruits of righteousness. The process of being shaken, humbled, and tested allows us to grow in faith and spiritual maturity. Though we face difficulties, we are reminded that God is faithful and will sustain us, just as He promises in His Word. By enduring these trials, we produce valuable fruit for God's Kingdom, shining as lights in this world, reflecting His grace and righteousness.