What is the Church’s Responsibility?
In his book, Think Orange
The Job of the Lampstand
In the Old Testament tabernacle, Reggie explains, the lampstand was located in a strategic place. It was directly next to the table which held the “shewbread”, the loaves meant to represent God’s provision and later would symbolize Jesus’ own body. In the book of Revelation, John addresses the seven churches as the seven lampstands. As you read through John’s challenges to these churches, everything makes so much more sense in the light of the lampstand’s original purpose. God was concerned about the church losing its influence and impact in order to shine a light on Christ.
Challenge to Churches
Reggie challenges churches to makes sure the we are illuminated the right things. In order to be most effective for kingdom, we have to make sure the lampstand is illuminating the bread, Christ. Jesus himself said that when He is lifted up, he will draw men to himself. It’s not our job to draw people in — it’s our job to illuminate the only one who can. All our clever programming and fun activities will become pointless if they are not showcasing the Son of God.
Warning to Churches
Beware of using the lampstand to fight personal battles, make political statements, or make your church look better. All Bible-believing churches are serving the same God — and sometimes we “begin believing our mission is to get people to buy into our version of church”. So instead of getting caught up in the minor issues and things that distract us from our true calling, let’s make it a priority to keep Jesus in the spotlight. Let’s be intentional about keeping the lampstand in it’s proper place.
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More in this series:
Putting It Into Practice
The Church’s Responsibility
The Family’s Job
More for the Family
When to Talk to Your Kids about God
Get Others to Help
Think Orange Book Review
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