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ollowing 400 years of life (and oppression) in Egypt, God’s now-freed people found themselves needing a re-introduction to Jehovah – and His method of providing them salvation and guidance. We find His instruction, recorded in Exodus 25:8:

“And let them make Me a Sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”

God was indicating His desire to be “close” to them then – as He desires to be close to us right now! This Sanctuary, and its services served as a visual illustration of God’s plan of salvation for all His people (see Exodus 25-30).

The Sanctuary and its compartments or sections, held multiple, symbolic furnishings.

In the Courtyard:

  • The Laver (which represented Baptism).
  • The Altar of Burnt Offerings (which represented Calvary).

In the first section of the Enclosed Sanctuary (or Holy Place).

  • The Table of Shewbread (which represented Jesus, who is the Bread of Life).
  • The Candlestick (which represented Jesus – and His people as the light of the world.
  • The Altar of Incense (which represented the prayers of the people ascending as a “sweet smelling savor” to God.

In the second section of the Enclosed Sanctuary (or Most Holy Place):

  • The Ark of The Presence, which contained the Ten Commandments written by the finger of God, the rod of Moses which budded,” and a copy of the ceremonial law –as dictated by Moses.
  • The Ark contained the mercy seat, and two golden angels facing one another. The Ark hosted the visible presence of God!

This beautiful symbolism, and this amazing visual illustration notwithstanding, the relational aspect captures the heart and mind. Particularly compelling is the relational dimension seen in the representation of the candlestick, or seven branch candlestick.

According to Exodus 25:39 the Candlestick (or Lampstand) was constructed of “a Talent of pure Gold.” This “Seven Light Lampstand” weighed sixty-six pounds and was valued at $33,804 in today’s currency.

“In one sense the “Candlestick” represented the people of God as the moral and spiritual light of the world, individually Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:15 and as a church Revelation 1:12, 20.” [Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary Volume 1, p. 638. Copyright 1953. Review and Herald Publishing Association], Lights on the Candlestick were never all extinguished at one time! There was always light burning in the Sanctuary. So it is, that I am and we are to always have our witness for Jesus, on, in “go mode.” His power, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, is the only way we can be ready like that!

The Candlestick brings to mind the song I sang as a youth: “This Little Light of Mine. I’m gonna ‘Let It Shine…”

My privilege as a “light bearer” for “my Lord” is fueled by Paul’s counsel in Philippians 4:8. He said: “Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things!”

That sounds like a great formula for “Emulation-of-the-Candlestick” training counsel Join me in following it!

J. ALFRED JOHNSON is a a retired pastor, and church administrator, with a gift for adult ministries and service. He writes from Huntsville, Alabama.
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