And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." God, said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. “And you shall command the Children of Israel, that they bring you pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always (Genesis 1:3, John 8:12, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Matthew 5:14-16, Exodus 27:20)
The lampstand played a significant role as the basis upon which light shone. Like a chandelier, it had elements of beauty. The design of the almond flower like buds, cups and blossoms were not only functional also meant for aesthetic effect. The lampstand was magnificent in design and a mesmeric work of art. But without light, the beauty would never be seen. Light was like the icing on the cake for the lighting system in the tabernacle. See how the church in Ephesus is warned, “If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place” (Rev 2:5). The light had long stopped shining. God was so fed up that He was ready to remove even the lampstand. Ouch! Remember the light was supposed to burn always as part of the priestly duties in the tabernacle.
The interconnection and interlink ages of the buds, the cups, the branches and the shaft showed just how perfectly the system worked together to deliver functionality while maintaining beauty. If one cup fell off, the lighting system would be affected. If one branch fell off, the stability of the lamp would be jeopardized by lack of balance.
We have a lot to learn from the golden lampstand. Its design and dimensions completely map with the Fruits of the Spirit, the Gifts of the Spirit and the Five Fold Ministry. They all complement to give one light. You see without light there is no visibility, no order, no accountability, no way, no understanding. The spiritual gifts, fruits and ministries endowed on us are the aesthetic design of the lampstand. However, they are all connected to the same lighting system, drawing oil to keep the light shining. The entire system has one purpose, keep the light shining. If supply of oil is cut off, the light would completely go off. Jesus prayed that we be one, just like He and the Father are one (John 17:21)
The light must never go off. I will take the lampstand from its place. No one hides the light under a bushel. Let’s keep drawing oil from the Holy Spirit while lifting high the banner of Christ in the places He has placed us working together as the Body of Christ so that light to the world is complete.
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