• Shem Creek Presbyterian Church

  • Growing in the Gospel
    for Christ & the Community

    A community of faith for spiritual formation & discipleship.
  • Beauty
    in the Church

    A new faith community for a Growing Mount Pleasant.
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Are fireworks in the Bible?

Well, no. However, the theme of flames lighting up the night is a common image in Scripture. In Zechariah 4, for example, the prophet sees a vision of a golden lampstand with candles lighting up the night. In the darkness, on either side of the candles, are two olive trees fueling the candles with a continual supply of oil so the candles will shine forever.

The vision God gave the prophet Zechariah was one of flames lighting up the night. Like the candles which lit up Moses tabernacle and Solomon's Temple each night, this vision reminds Zechariah and God's people that we are to be a spiritual light in a dark world. As Dr. Meredith Kline wrote, the candles in the tabernacle and Temple were intended to light the way to the Father's house. The lamps were designed to direct people to God's house to worship him.

Moreover, the lights were a symbolic reminder that God's people are to be a light in the darkness. A light pointing people to the true light - Jesus Christ.

This vision of Zechariah points forward to the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 5. 

"YOU are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5.14-16).

Like the candles on the lampstand in the night vision of Zechariah, you are called to be a light in the world. Your life should shine light on the truth of the Gospel and point people to Jesus Christ.

Furthermore, the candles in Zechariah's vision were continually fueled by two trees symbolizing the presence of God. What God was revealing to Zechariah was that God's Holy Spirit is the source of our light. The source of our spiritual light is not our efforts or actions, but the presence and power of God's Spirit. 

Today, you are called to be a light in the darkness. But it is not a light that you start or a flame that you ignite. It is a work of the Holy Spirit. He is the source of your spiritual light and he is the one who empowers you to "let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

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