Lampstands

We are studying Revelation in our Ragamuffin group at church and I'm finding it quite fascinating and we are only in the first chapter. One of the last verses has given me a visual that I thought I'd share.

Revelation 1:20 "The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches."

The lampstands are the churches. We are the churches. We attend the churches..

What is the use of a lampstand??? A lampstand is something in which a lamp or source of light sits upon. We are that. I am a lampstand and God is my source of light. That makes me a lampstand in use .

Imagine walking into a room and seeing a lampstand with no lamp. What does it look like? A piece of wood sitting unused in the corner collecting dust. It really serves no use except to collect dust or other items. A catch all as I like to call our kitchen table.

Now how bright do I let that light shine? Do I hit the dimmer switch when I'm uncomfortable or afraid of what people might think? Do I turn the light up when surrounded by others I know who are lampstands in use?? Do I let my light shine equally for all to see? Do I use my light to bless others and help light their lights too??

I believe there are even times when I turn my light off and sulk in darkness. The lamp never moves, it's always there; but what I do with it makes all the difference. I have a light that will never burn out, the most energy sufficient light ever!!