The Light of the World

O. T. #2287  "The Light of the World"

Sept. 27, 2022

Zechariah 4

LET IT GLOW

Now Zechariah saw the fifth vision given by Jesus. The details he saw were:

• a golden candlestick
• with a bowl upon the top of it
• his 7 lamps thereon
• 7 pipes on each of the 7 lamps.

The candlestick (Menorah) was familiar to Israel. Moses gave directions for it in Exodus 25 and 37. In the holy place of the Tabernacle, in front of the veil and to the left of the altar of incense, stood a golden candlestick with 7 branches. (You can google Menorah for a picture of it.) At the end of each branch was a golden lamp. The high priest trimmed the wicks and provided the oil needed to keep the lamp burning morning and evening as part of his duty. 

This candlestick which Zechariah saw was different in that there was a bowl at the top into which the olive oil from 2 trees dripped into it. There was a total of 49 pipes from the bowl to each lamp. The provided ample supply of fuel, limitless, kept the lights burning was continuous. 

Zerubbabel was the civic leader in Jerusalem who was to keep the rebuilding work going. Joshua was the high priest responsible for the spiritual things. God was the supplier of all. These two are represented in the two olive trees. 

Who is your supplier of all things and things needed?

LET IT GROW

Biblical history tells us that the second Temple was completed. There are some symbolic meanings provided by Wiersby:

• The Tabernacle candlestick is the nation of Israel, chosen by God to be the spiritual light in a spiritually dark world. (Isaiah 60, 62)
• The Menorah is an official symbol of the modern state of Israel.
• The light was burning very low for the remnant, but Zerubbabel gave Israel enough encouragement to finish the task.
• Today, the church is a light in the dark world, spiritually. The Holy Spirit enables us to bear witness of Jesus in us.
• Local churches are individual lampstands to give the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. 

If we do not what Christ commands us to do, He may take away the lampstand. (Rev. 1-3)

LET IT GO

Thank You, Father, for giving us spiritual light in Jesus.

Oh, what a Savior! Isn't He wonderful!

Christ is risen.

Bow down before Him.