MORE THAN A CANDLESTICK

The people in the days of Jesus did not have candles as we know them today. The people of the time of Jesus had oil lamps. Each one was made from clay, so it was very fragile to a heavy hand or misuse. In addition, the lamps were found throughout the rooms (plural) of the house. This gives a new and more powerful meaning to Matthew 5:15.

• "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."

"Candle" is a poor translation here. The appropriate, original Greek word luchnos in this verse means oil lamp. So, the verse can therefore be rendered - "Neither do men light an oil lamp, and put it under a bushel,...".

Oil in Scripture refers to the Holy Spirit. The lamp is our body. The wick is our service for the Lord (talent, time, energy, ministry, life). Listen! - The Lord will always have an eternal reservoir of the Holy Spirit (oil) for the believer who keeps his/her life (wick) submitted or inserted into that supply. And why would God supply the believer this way? SO THAT, we may start by "giving light unto all that are in the house." This starting point agrees with Acts 1:8 which encourages the believer to be an impact locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.

• "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Precious "oil" has been supplied by God for you and me to influence our world for His Glory. Your contribution(s) (wick) are a blessing from God meant to join together with God's Holy DYNAMITE Spirit (oil) to accomplish His will for your life and others around you.

Wow!  There it is - Jesus considered His disciples and considers us, especially with the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, as More Than A Candlestick!

(inspired by Rick Renner)