May 31st, 2018

Walks in Our Midst

“These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands…” Rev. 2:1

Jesus refers to Himself as “He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands.”   He is viewed here as walking in the midst of the church – indeed, all of the churches!  He holds the stars, or messengers, in His right hand.  The right hand symbolizes authority and power; it is by the right hand that the whole person is claimed for the Lord!  He tells the church that He is near to them, so near that He walks in their midst.  He is in complete control!  What a comfort to know He holds us and walks in our midst. 

It is noteworthy that the word lampstand, or candlestick, is used to describe the local church.  Lampstands symbolize light, as they bring forth light.  Jesus is the bearer of light.  In this letter, He is reminding the church at Ephesus that He can give light and take it away.  Lampstands were part of God’s design of the Tabernacle of Moses, where they were located in the Holy Place.  The Holy Place had no windows or openings, and the light in a dark place was brought forth by the lampstand. 

Beloved, please receive this truth:  the church at Ephesus, and the church today, is called by the Lord Jesus to be a lampstand!  We are to be lightbearers in a lighthouse bringing forth light in a dark world – all to the glory of God!  Let’s pray with renewed understanding the Scripture from Matthew 5:16: “Father, You have called us to be lightbearers in a lighthouse for the community to see.  God, increase Your light in us, that our light may so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.  We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.  Amen.”