In the illustration above we have intentionally placed the Golden Lampstand out of its proper place simply for better clarity; its true position however is directly across from the Table of Showbread as illustrated in the picture below.
“Place the table (of Showbread) outside the inner curtain (that is outside the second vail) on the north side of the Tabernacle, and place the lampstand across the room on the south side.” (New Living Translation Exod 26:35; see also Exod 40:24)
The first item which we would like to examine is the Golden Lampstand.
This Lamp Stand was made of one piece of beaten pure gold, that is to say the Candlestick had to be brought into shape by the process of beating, not by pouring the molten metal into a mold. As the Lamp stand symbolizes our Lord and the Church giving forth their light, so then in the process of its development it must of needs be “beaten” into shape.
“Surely he hath borne our grief, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isa 53:4, 5)
And as surely as the servant is no greater than his Lord so likewise are we bruised, as was the shaft so are the branches, all of one beaten work. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus…” (Eph 2:10)
“Human nature rebels against suffering, hardship, and the beating process…The candlestick had to be beaten, beaten until formed into a beautiful and serviceable piece of furniture to give light in the holy place (the Holy). We often hear Christians pray, “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection,” but they seemingly neglect to pray the rest of Paul’s prayer, “that I may know him and the fellowship of his suffering.”
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye shall be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1 Pet 4:12, 13) Rejoice then, for the candlestick is being made and His glory shall ultimately be revealed. “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” (1 Pet 4:14)
Our only excuse for existence is that we might be to the praise of His glory. So when called on to suffer and endure the beating process, let us be jubilant and say with Peter, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.’ (1 Pet 1:3–7)
No warrant gives Christians authority to say, `Why?’ to God’s beating process in their lives. The suffering of the Christian is no mystery, for we have the plain Word of God which says, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18) . . . So beloved, count it not strange concerning the fiery trial. God’s beating process is at work in your life. The candlestick can be made no other way.
Continued with next post.
