In the Old Testament book of Second Kings, Chapter 4 and Verse 10, the prophet Elisha is provided four essential things in the home he was given: "a bed, a table, a stool and a candlestick." These are illustrative of the four things that we as workers for Christ need this year.
I. The bed is the symbol of rest which is found in Christ as we are yoked in God's will with him. [Matt 11:28,29]
II. The table is the symbol of fellowship with Christ, for he spreads a table before us even in the presence of our enemies [Ps. 23:5] and bids us "come and dine" [John 21:12]
III. The stool is the symbol of instruction from Christ, for we must sit at His feet, and learn of Him, if we are to know the secrets of His will. [Deut.33:3; Luke 10:39]
IV. The candlestick is the symbol of testimony for Christ, for we are the "Light of the world" and his only witness. [Matt 5:14; Acts 1:8]
Rest in Christ is essential in order for us to have a sense of fellowship with Him. Fellowship with Christ is the qualification for instruction from Him. Instruction is the precursor for effective testimony for Him. As we prepare to witness the "purpose and power of God in our generation," let us be mindful as we welcome the new millennium to observe rest, fellowship, instruction, and testimony.
We have a new year before us and with it new opportunities to reach out to our world with the love of God. Our united prayer should be that of Isaiah, "O that Thou wouldst rend the heavens and come down." [Is. 64:1]
