Burning and Bearing

UV 2047/10000 Burning and Bearing
These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
Revelation 11 v 4

This uni-verse is a parallel to the image of two olive branches that stand by a lamp that is fuelled with golden oil in the book of Zechariah. Grafted onto Jesus, we become like the olive trees and our lives are lit up by the lamp of His wisdom. Believers are anointed to be like olive trees whose every part has value- the olive fruit, the olive leaves, the oil that comes from the crushed olive. The olive tree also is capable of continuing to flourish for centuries. Similarly, we are to live and flourish forever. The olive leaves signify peace and we too are to be peacemakers in this world of strife and conflict. The oil of the olive has many healing properties and we too are to be an extension of the healing hand and word of the Lord.

We are also to be like a candlestick standing and burning for the Lord on earth to disperse the darkness of evil and bring His goodness to light. The candle never stops burning till it is fully used up. It burns continually. Likewise, we should burn till the end and burn continually, emitting spiritual light for the world. We draw our strength and power from the name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus, the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the power of His Word. Our achievements in this world are meant to be a tall candle stand to hold up the name and glory of the Lord.

Both olive plants and candles are meant to be used. We too should use all the gifts the Lord has given us to be a blessing to many. An electrical device if not put to regular use will not function. Similarly, we should put to use the powers and gifts the Lord has imparted to us. We cannot keep these dormant or idle. He has given us power like Elijah to stop the rain and to cause the rain to fall, the power to turn water to blood and to call forth plagues and blessings. These gifts and powers are to be used diligently, prudently and faithfully. When we pray, praise and worship continually and breathe in the oxygen of the Word of God continually, when we continually minister to the needy, we will be like olive trees that flourish and endure forever and a candle that burns forever.

Prateep V Philip