July 4, 2024
The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.
- Revelation 1:20
The golden lampstand was one of the items in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. It was made of pure gold and is fabricated according to the instructions God gave Moses in Exodus 25:31-40. The design of the lampstand was such that it had a centre shaft with six branches, three on either side.
The top of the shaft and each branch had oil bowls that were as almond blossoms having also ornamental knobs and flowers along their branches. The lampstand gave its light through the burning of the oil from pressed olives (Exodus 27:20-21). There is symbolism and significance in the design of the lampstand.
The lampstand was the only source of light inside the Holy Place. This points directly to Christ being the light of the world “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” John 8:12. In Jesus Christ we have life, and that life is the light of men (John 1:4).
The centre shaft of the lampstand and the three branches on either side resemble a tree with a trunk having branches. This is symbolic of the True Vine and its branches. Jesus Christ is the true vine (John 15:1) and we are the branches
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” John 15:5
The oils bowls were to be made like almond blossoms (Exodus 25:33, 34). There is significance in the use of the fruit of the almond tree. The almond tree is the first fruit tree to bloom in spring. Christ is the first fruit from the dead
“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” 1 Corinthians 15:20.
Having Jesus Christ as our Lampstand means there is no darkness in or around us because Jesus Christ is the “true light” that gives light to everyone (John 1:9). Having Christ as our Lampstand means we remain connected to Him and we are able to ask what we desire, bear much fruit, glorify God and be Jesus’ disciples (John 15:7-8). Having Christ as our Lampstand means that we have the assurance of the resurrection of our bodies (1 Corinthians 15:22-23).
Song of Worship
I’ve got the light of God in me, I’ve got the spirit of the Son of God
I’ve got the light of God in me
Prayer - Dear Lord, thank You for your Word and the understanding that comes therein. Let your light in me shine forth in Jesus name, let me remain connected to you all the days of my life that I may be among the redeemed in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bible in 1 year: Job 28-29; Acts 13