January 24.
In The Midst

Revelation 1:12-13

And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man…

John said when he turned to look that he saw several golden candle-I sticks. Now these candlesticks (Revelation 1:20) are symbolic of the churches of the living God. Golden candlesticks were also used in the temple and in the tabernacle before sacrifices were offered. It was a standard format for a table to be prepared. Candlesticks were placed on the table. Each candlestick had seven prongs on it and each prong had seven cups. There were always at least twelve loaves of bread on the table to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. These seven-pronged candlesticks were all filled with oil that was symbolic of the Holy Ghost. Each candle having a cup had a wick in the cup. And that wick actually represents us. It seems to say that before you can see the fire, the wick must be connected with the oil. In other words, before there will be a shining, there first must be a burning. And you see too many people who want to shine without the burning. You need to get the burning and then shining will show up.

In the midst of the seven candlesticks was Jesus; notice he was not somewhere afar looking down. He was in the midst. And remember the candlesticks represent the church, which means that Jesus does come to church. He spends his time in the midst. Now have you ever asked yourself, when Jesus comes to church, what does he do? Does he sit back, cross his legs and nod his head ever now and then. I think not. When Jesus comes to church, he comes to examine the saints. On every pew somebody is hurting, needs help, is depressed, sitting with a hung down head. But they leave with their head up and a song in their heart. It’s amazing how Jesus supplies the needs of so many during a single worship celebration. Jesus is in the midst of his church.