By Jennifer McPherson

Some time ago, I had a thought that I’ve never been able to shake — one that continues to stir reverence and awe in me.

Jesus is tending to the lamps of His Ekklesia.

In the Book of Revelation, we’re given a breathtaking vision of Jesus walking among the golden lampstands — the very representation of His Church. He is clothed in priestly garments, fully adorned in the ephod, moving carefully and intentionally among the lamps to ensure their flame continues to burn.

It is one of the most beautiful images in all of Scripture — not only because of the glory of the scene, but because of what it reveals about His heart.

He Tends the Flame

So often, we live as if the responsibility of sustaining the Church’s fire rests entirely upon us. We strategize, we labor, we measure, and we worry that the flame might go out if we don’t do enough.

But Revelation reminds us: He walks among the lampstands.

Jesus Himself is the keeper of the flame.
He is the one trimming the wicks, replenishing the oil, and ensuring that His light never fades.
He alone guarantees that the lamp of His Ekklesia will not go out.

What humility it requires to remember this — that the sustaining power of the Church is not human, but divine. We are invited to partner, yes, but never to carry what only Christ Himself was designed to bear.

The Faithful and True Witness

The Scripture calls Him “the faithful and true witness.”

There is nothing He will allow to extinguish our fire — not persecution, not weakness, not the frailty of human hearts. Even when we feel we are barely making it through the night, He is tending, trimming, guarding, and watching over the flame.

He is not only the High Priest who lights the fire — He is the One who keeps it burning.

“A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out.” – Isaiah 42:3

Heavenly Authority, Not Earthly Measure

The authority and power of the Ekklesia flow from a heavenly realm. They are not to be weighed or judged by temporal standards.

We cannot measure the influence of the Church by cultural acceptance, public approval, or worldly metrics of success. The light of Christ’s body is not defined by visibility, but by vitality — and its vitality is sustained by His hand alone.

Final Reflection

The next time you wonder if the Church is fading, remember this: Jesus is still walking among the lampstands.

He is trimming the wicks, refilling the oil, and whispering life back into every flickering flame.

Our task is not to keep the fire burning by our own strength, but to stay surrendered to the One who does.
He is the Keeper of the Flame — the One who walks among us even now, faithfully ensuring that His light will never go out.