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Proverbs of a 39 yr old man
Among the lampstands. I see Jesus clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest, standing among the seven golden lampstands. Jesus had spoken to John in a vision and explained what the seven lampstands were: “The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. These lampstands, or candlesticks were actual churches that existed at the time John experienced the vision. The churches were located in seven cities of western Asia Minor: in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. A letter was written as well to each church at the time that included words of commendation, criticism, and consolation. Look! I still see Jesus Christ walking through the center of the seven candlesticks, in the midst of His people. Praise God Jesus is with his churches even in this age and the age to come. He is still faithful and true and can be trusted, a very present help in time of need for his Body. God’s purpose for the church is to hold forth the light. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. A candlestick is not the light itself but the bearer of the light. Jesus is the light of the world, and, as candlesticks, the church’s mission is to hold that light up for the world to see. Candlesticks are designed to bring light to dark places. 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. In Jesus letter to the church of Ephesus, a church that had lost its first love, the Lord warns that they must repent or He will come to them and remove their lampstand from its place. In other words, the church was in danger of losing its opportunity to testify of Christ in their community. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. To be pure and innocent children of God living among people who are crooked and evil, we must not do anything to bring shame to the Body of Christ. Yes, we should try to shine as lights among the people of this world. He stands proudly behind His golden pure lampstands. So shine bright!
Study Rev. 1:13