Day 360

December 26th
Jude 1; Revelation 1:1-2:29.  “Hold Up the Light”
I am intrigued by the messages to the seven churches (Rev. 2-3).  Each message has similar parts.  Each message begins with an expression similar to “I know all your works.”  Each message also begins with an introduction describing the Lord Jesus, yet in ways as are fitting to the message.  Each message also offers a promise to “everyone who is victorious” or “overcomes.”  Each message concludes with a sentence similar to “anyone who is willing to hear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”  The letters contain words of warning as well as words of promise.  Yet note how the churches are first described; as lampstands (1:12,20).  
David called the Lord his “lamp” (2 Sam. 22:29).  God’s Word is also identified as a “lamp” (Ps. 119:105).  In Matthew five Jesus describes Christians as “lights” that should shine in our world.  Therefore, I can’t think of a better description of the church, God’s people, than a “lampstand.”  Perhaps an appropriate question to ask would be; how effective are we at holding high God’s shining light in the world?