Concept 1 from Revelation - lampstands
We are going to take a look at concepts in the Book of
Revelation. The first one is the seven golden lampstands, fashioned in
appearance to look like olive branches.
“I turned around to see who was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone ‘like a son of man’ . . .” (Rev 1:12-13a)
Why was Jesus amongst the lampstands? God instructed Moses that the temple should have lampstands to “light the space in front of it” (Ex 25:37). The first use of the lampstand was to provide a setting for light.
Besides bringing physical light, the light symbolizes insight. Light means understanding and guidance (Ps 119:105). God brings His people out of darkness by His light. The Lampstands, therefore symbolized God’s provision for Man’s understanding and guidance.
The Lord showed Zechariah a vision wherein he saw “a solid gold lampstand” and two olive trees. (Zec 4:2-3). When he asked the angel what the lampstand and two olive trees meant, he was told “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel ; ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Again, the lampstand was providing a setting for light, but this time it was for spiritual light. The lampstand held the light, provided for by the flow of oil, or the Word of the Lord coupled with His Spirit. The second use of the lampstand was to provide spiritual light by providing a setting for both the flow of oil, and the fire.
In the New Testament we see that Jesus is the light (Jn 1:9). “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (Jn 3:19) The Light does more than give understanding and guidance: it divides those who love evil from those who love God (vs 20).
Though, in our times, many ministers want to focus on the power of the Holy Spirit, the concept of the lampstands is summed up as this: the flow of the Holy Spirit is found in the Word of God, which keeps the Church’s lamps lit. God’s Word coupled with His Spirit keeps us afire, not His power. Though we would make a mistake to separate God’s Words from His Spirit, we would also make a mistake to elevate the power of God’s Spirit above His Words.
The purpose of using the lampstand, therefore, is to present Jesus as the Light of the world to the churches, some of whom have grown in darkness. By the very nature of Him being Light, division will occur and some who claim to be Christians will fall away. Yet, as we see, Jesus’ Words hold the answers to all who want to overcome their darkness and remain with Him. Jesus was amongst the lampstands because they are His light to the world. Amen.
“I turned around to see who was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone ‘like a son of man’ . . .” (Rev 1:12-13a)
Why was Jesus amongst the lampstands? God instructed Moses that the temple should have lampstands to “light the space in front of it” (Ex 25:37). The first use of the lampstand was to provide a setting for light.
Besides bringing physical light, the light symbolizes insight. Light means understanding and guidance (Ps 119:105). God brings His people out of darkness by His light. The Lampstands, therefore symbolized God’s provision for Man’s understanding and guidance.
The Lord showed Zechariah a vision wherein he saw “a solid gold lampstand” and two olive trees. (Zec 4:2-3). When he asked the angel what the lampstand and two olive trees meant, he was told “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel ; ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Again, the lampstand was providing a setting for light, but this time it was for spiritual light. The lampstand held the light, provided for by the flow of oil, or the Word of the Lord coupled with His Spirit. The second use of the lampstand was to provide spiritual light by providing a setting for both the flow of oil, and the fire.
In the New Testament we see that Jesus is the light (Jn 1:9). “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (Jn 3:19) The Light does more than give understanding and guidance: it divides those who love evil from those who love God (vs 20).
Though, in our times, many ministers want to focus on the power of the Holy Spirit, the concept of the lampstands is summed up as this: the flow of the Holy Spirit is found in the Word of God, which keeps the Church’s lamps lit. God’s Word coupled with His Spirit keeps us afire, not His power. Though we would make a mistake to separate God’s Words from His Spirit, we would also make a mistake to elevate the power of God’s Spirit above His Words.
The purpose of using the lampstand, therefore, is to present Jesus as the Light of the world to the churches, some of whom have grown in darkness. By the very nature of Him being Light, division will occur and some who claim to be Christians will fall away. Yet, as we see, Jesus’ Words hold the answers to all who want to overcome their darkness and remain with Him. Jesus was amongst the lampstands because they are His light to the world. Amen.
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