Moshe was ordered to set up the fire of the lamps before the Eternal. The lampstand didn't shine for men but for the Eternal. Even though the priests benefited from the menorah's ­- lamp stand -­ light when entering the sacred place, it isn't written anywhere that the lights were set up for the purpose of lighting the area of the priests while ministering.

There is a flame within human beings. It is the flame of life (Prov. 20:27; John 1:4; 8:12). The light of life given to our body temple wasn't put there to shine before men in the first place but before the Eternal.

Nowadays, most men want to shine before others but that's not the purpose of our lives. Popularity is a curse for our societies. The one who wants to be popular and to be seen by others doesn't understand why he has received life. Be careful with Facebook. If your wish is to be seen by men, your priorities are inverted. Get in your room in secret and shine before your Heavenly Father. Then you'll be able to relate to others without that evil desire of praise and recognition by men.

Who are you shining for?

Moshe had learned that lesson and he set up the lights before the Eternal. And even though that light wasn't destined for men it could also benefit them.

This shows us that the one who has life's priorities in the right order also benefits others. The one who lives for the Eternal also lives for the others. The one who shines for the Eternal is also a light for all men.

Whom do you live for, the Eternal or men?

Ketriel