<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/988d93e4-c8bf-4254-94e9-c594dd1ceb04/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213625.jpg" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/988d93e4-c8bf-4254-94e9-c594dd1ceb04/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213625.jpg" width="40px" /> 4 b Menorah and you shall bring in the menorah (“each has a revelation” see 1 Cor 14:26**)** and light its lamps.
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In the tabernacle of Moses, as described in Exodus 40, the menorah (lampstand) is a central element in the sanctuary, serving the practical purpose of providing light and the spiritual purpose of symbolizing God's presence and revelation. The act of bringing in the menorah and lighting its lamps, as instructed in Exodus 40, can be seen as a call to prepare for and invite this divine revelation.
Similarly, in the context of corporate worship, the "revelation" component in 1 Cor 14:26 can be understood as the sharing of spiritual insights, prophecies, or teachings that have been illuminated to individuals by the Holy Spirit. This process, much like the lighting of the menorah, serves to guide, edify, and bring clarity to the congregation, helping them to navigate their spiritual lives and decisions.
Therefore, the menorah in the tabernacle of Moses and the component of "revelation" in 1 Cor 14:26, though distinct in their historical and cultural contexts, both facilitate the process of hearing God's voice in the midst of His people. They underscore the importance of preparing a space for God's presence and revelation in our gatherings, and the transformative power of His word in bringing light and direction to our lives.
<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/46f00e26-df2a-4461-927c-6bb4422f8ec7/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213625.jpg" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/46f00e26-df2a-4461-927c-6bb4422f8ec7/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213625.jpg" width="40px" /> (4.) MENORAH - The prophetic significance of the menorah extends far beyond its physical form. As revealed in Exodus 25:31-40, it was crafted as a symbol of divine illumination, with God instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern shown on the mountain. This sacred lampstand serves to decode and define the elemental spiritual truths - functioning as a tool for the seer or futurist.
The light shed in the ancient tent of meeting provides an enigmatic precedence, as described in Exodus 27:20-21: "Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil from beaten olives for the lamp, that a light may be kept burning regularly." This foreshadowed a time in the distant future when God's light would be shed directly into human hearts, as prophesied in 2 Corinthians 4:6: "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
The revelation of the menorah is progressive, evolving from its physical manifestation as a lampstand in the tabernacle to becoming a powerful symbol of spiritual illumination. As Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This divine light produces both natural sight and spiritual insight, equipping believers for spiritual warfare as described in Ephesians 6:12: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
This light serves as a weapon in the war against the spirit of the occult, witchcraft, and idolatry, as affirmed in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5: "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God." Through this divine illumination, believers are empowered to overcome every wicked way of war, sin, death, and hell, for as John 1:5 proclaims, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
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Redeeming the prophetic genius (PRO, discover) - The ability to decode, define the elemental. This default natural ability derives pleasure in unearthing and uncovering mystery and proclaiming this to the world. Let him who has ears, let him hear!
“The drive and urge to unravel and uncover truth, knowledge or understanding and to proclaim and expound what is otherwise hidden, concealed or latent. Individuals will seek to perceive, interpret, announce and/or be the spokesperson for issues and events that to others may be unclear, obscure or even obtuse.” (Samuel/ Moen)
In the Tabernacle of Moses, the lampstand is not only a source of light, but also a symbol of static stability in the dynamic of the assembled ecclesia. Its seven branches, each holding a lamp, can be seen as a prism through which the singular light of God's presence and revelation is diffracted to provide illumination and guidance to the entire assembly.
Similarly, in the context of 1 Cor 14:26, the ecclesia, or the church, is assembled not in a physical tabernacle, but in the spiritual tabernacle of Christ's body. In this assembly, the role of the lampstand is paralleled by the prismatic leadership of the church. The leaders, through their diverse gifts and offices, serve to diffract the singular light of God's revelation to the church, much like the prismatic dispersion of light by the lampstand.
Therefore, the lampstand in the Tabernacle of Moses and the prismatic leadership in 1 Cor 14:26, though distinct in their manifestations, both serve to provide static stability to the dynamic of the ecclesia. They do this not by being the source of light themselves, but by being the prisms through which the light of God's revelation is diffracted to provide illumination and guidance to the entire assembly.
The prophetic genius, or 'prophetiea', is not confined to the traditional religious settings but extends into the non-Levitical spheres of the marketplace. This extension is a testament to the all-encompassing relevance and application of prophetic insight in all areas of life, including business, government, education, and the arts.
In the marketplace, the prophetic genius is often manifested as an extraordinary ability to anticipate future trends, understand complex problems, and identify innovative solutions. This is not merely a result of human intuition or strategic foresight, but is a product of divine revelation and wisdom that provides unique insights into the marketplace's dynamics and complexities.
Prophets in the marketplace embody the wisdom of Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint." As thought leaders, change agents, and culture shapers, they fulfill the calling described in Jeremiah 1:10: "See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."
Like Daniel who maintained his integrity while serving in Babylon's court (Daniel 1:8), these modern-day prophets challenge the status quo and question existing paradigms. As Isaiah boldly spoke truth to power (Isaiah 58:1), they advocate for justice and ethical business practices. As Amos condemned marketplace corruption (Amos 8:4-6), they call for transformational change that aligns with God's standards of righteousness.
Drawing from Micah 6:8, which calls us to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God," they serve as moral compasses in their spheres of influence. Like Joseph, who stewarded Egypt's resources with wisdom and foresight (Genesis 41:33-36), they guide organizations toward more just, equitable, and sustainable futures.
The prophetic genius in the marketplace echoes Solomon's prayer for wisdom to lead effectively (1 Kings 3:9). It manifests as "the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might" (Isaiah 11:2), enabling innovation, transformation, and social change. As Paul encourages in Colossians 3:23-24, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward."
This integration of faith with work fulfills the creation mandate to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it" (Genesis 1:28). It transforms the marketplace from merely a place of economic transactions into what Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 5:20 - an arena where we serve as "ambassadors for Christ." Through this lens, business becomes a platform for kingdom impact and a context for God's redemptive work, as promised in Isaiah 61:4: "They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities."
As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 14:15, "I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." These concepts can be metaphorically applied to the dynamics of freedom and control within organizations. This can be particularly relevant for organizations that aim to stay true to their core business while also adapting to changes in norms, technologies, and other external factors.
"Singing in the spirit" can be likened to the idea of freedom within an organization, reflecting Galatians 5:1, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free." It represents a state of spontaneity, creativity, and innovation, much like the free-flowing, improvisational nature of singing in the spirit. This freedom allows organizations to explore new ideas, take calculated risks, and adapt to changes, which can be crucial for staying relevant in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
On the other hand, "singing with understanding" can be equated to the need for control and alignment within an organisation, as reminded in 1 Corinthians 14:40, "Let all things be done decently and in order." It involves the deliberate and thoughtful articulation of words and melodies, similar to the intentional and strategic actions taken by an organisation. This control ensures that the organization's actions are aligned with its core values, mission, and long-term goals, and that it does not deviate from its fundamental purpose in the pursuit of relevance or innovation.
Therefore, as Ecclesiastes 3:1 teaches us that "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven," the dual practice of "singing in the spirit" and "singing with understanding" can serve as a model for organizations to navigate the tension between freedom and control. By balancing the need for creativity and innovation with the need for strategic alignment and purposeful action, organisations can stay true to their core business while also staying relevant in the face of changing norms, technologies, and other external factors.
"For the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations" (Isaiah 61:11). Just as God designed natural systems to flow and flourish, enabling total resources to flow without hindrance or bias is crucial for nurturing fresh ideas that enlarge our capacity for constructive change. This is necessary to remain a dynamic and relevant organisation that can effectively serve the local, non-local, and extra-local communities.
As Scripture teaches us in 2 Corinthians 9:8, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." However, it's important to note that while enabling resources to flow freely can foster innovation, it's equally crucial to ensure that these resources are used effectively and ethically. This requires a balance between freedom and control, much like the balance between "singing in the spirit" and "singing with understanding" discussed earlier. By establishing clear guidelines and accountability structures, organizations can create an environment where resources are used responsibly and aligned with the organization's core values, mission, and long-term goals.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17). At the same time, it's crucial to recognize that not all resources are created equal. Some are more scarce, valuable, or impactful than others. Therefore, enabling resources to flow without hindrance or bias does not mean treating all resources the same. Instead, it requires a strategic and discerning approach to resource allocation, as Solomon teaches us in Proverbs 21:5, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty."
This is where the prophetic genius in the marketplace comes into play. Just as Daniel possessed wisdom and understanding to interpret dreams and solve complex problems (Daniel 1:17), prophets in the marketplace have an extraordinary ability to anticipate future trends, understand complex problems, and identify innovative solutions. As Proverbs 29:18 declares, "Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint." These modern-day prophets can provide valuable insights into which resources are likely to be most impactful, helping organizations to identify and invest in high-potential opportunities, navigate complex and uncertain business landscapes, and make wise and strategic decisions in the face of limited resources.
Therefore, enabling resources to flow without hindrance or bias is not just about removing barriers or biases. As Ecclesiastes 11:6 instructs us, "In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good." It's about making strategic and discerning choices in the face of uncertainty and complexity. It's about balancing the need for freedom and control, much like the balance between "singing in the spirit" and "singing with understanding" discussed earlier. And ultimately, it's about integrating faith with work, pursuing excellence and integrity in all endeavors, and seeking the common good, as we are reminded in Colossians 3:23-24: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
While the prophetic genius can be a powerful force for insight and transformation, like the prophets of old, it comes with potential blindspots. As Jeremiah reminds us, "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). This humbling truth applies even to those with prophetic gifts.
Prophetic individuals often possess a deep sense of curiosity and a strong desire to explore new ideas, much like the noble Bereans who "examined the Scriptures daily" (Acts 17:11). However, this gift of discernment and exploration can become a double-edged sword. Like Martha who was "distracted with much serving" (Luke 10:40), prophetic individuals can become overwhelmed by the множество of possibilities and insights before them.
In today's world of information overload and constant connectivity, the challenge becomes even greater. As Paul warns in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
The apostle Paul provides a powerful example of maintaining focus despite numerous potential distractions. He declared, "But I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead" (Philippians 3:13). Similarly, prophetic individuals must develop the discipline to stay anchored to their core calling.
This requires wisdom as described in James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." Setting boundaries and priorities becomes an act of spiritual discernment, not merely practical management.
The integration of prophetic gifts with practical service reflects the biblical principle that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:26). Like Daniel, who maintained his prophetic ministry while serving in a foreign government, modern prophetic individuals must learn to bridge the sacred and secular.
The challenge is to maintain spiritual integrity while engaging with worldly systems, as Jesus prayed: "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one" (John 17:15). This requires developing what Paul calls "the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16).
By staying true to their divine calling while navigating earthly responsibilities, prophetic individuals can fulfill the mandate to be "salt and light" (Matthew 5:13-14) in their spheres of influence. As Isaiah proclaimed, "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth... so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty" (Isaiah 55:10-11).