In the first chapter of the
Revelation we are introduced to the concept of the testimony of Jesus
Christ. This testimony is necessarily
bound up in the person of Christ who is revealed to us here in John’s initial
vision and we are provided with some details of His glory with the use of
metaphors or likenesses that we might be able to apprehend Him in some measure.
He is then to be discovered over and
over again through the use of various metaphorical pictures throughout the
entire text of the book. The Revelation
employs the extensive use of metaphors to illustrate spiritual realities. The ability to interpret the meaning and
application of these metaphors becomes a key to unraveling interpretation of much
of the text of the book. These metaphors are often set forth in the symbolism
and pictures given to us in various parts of the Old Testament.
In the vision of Christ here
revealed, John beholds Him in the midst of seven golden candlesticks. A close examination of this use of the
metaphor will lead us into an understanding of the spiritual concept of the
light of testimony. By testimony it is
meant a clear showing forth of the vital spiritual aspects of the transforming
life and salvation observable in a person or an assembly of believers who are living
in complete harmony and faithfulness to Christ. In John’s gospel we are instructed: “That was the true Light, which lighteth
every man that comes into the world.” (John 19)
Looking then to gain an understanding
of the candlestick we can move to the Old Testament and the Book of Exodus. There we would find an extensive set of
directives given for the building of the tabernacle and later applicable to the
temple. “And thou shall make a
candlestick of pure gold…..six branches shall come out of the sides of it and
thou shall make seven lamps thereof: and
they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it. (Read
Exodus 25:31 and the following context to the end of the chapter). The
candlestick was placed inside the veiled enclosure of the holy place and a
provision of olive oil was constantly available to keep the light shining to
assure the ministry of the priest was ongoing. The olive oil used for fuel is the Holy
Spirit, and the burning light from the candlestick
enables the priest to carry on a constant and continuing execution of his ministry
before the Lord at the table of showbread and the alter of incense.
At Revelation 1:13 we find Christ in
the midst of the seven candlesticks, and we are given the identity of the
candlesticks later in the chapter: “The
candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” We see the application of this truth at
Revelation 2:4-5. There the Lord speaks
to and admonishes the church at Ephesus through the Holy Spirit. “Nevertheless
I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love. Remember
therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or I
will come unto you quickly, and will remove thy candlestick.” The burning of the light of the testimony
is conditional, and when Christ is not held in absolute honor, love, and
devotion over the church the light is removed no matter what other religious
activity may continue. It will just continue
to go on in darkness without the light of testimony. This is the condition of
the vast majority of today’s supposed Christian assemblies and churches.
Does a genuine desire exist to further understand
the many mysteries revealed in the Revelation and other prophets? These are all covered in the context of
emerging world events and developments as they have been prophesied and can be
found in my recent title: These Prophets
and The Revelation (Mindstir Media, 2013) available at Amazon.com.
David
Lance Dean
You can communicate
with me at: theseprophets@gmail.com
Additional informative blogs are available at my website: http://theseprophets.
Additional informative blogs are available at my website: http://theseprophets.
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