I have a very old lantern. The kind with a wick that is screwed up through a slotted opening while leaving most of the wick dipped in the fuel (kerosene) that lies in the base of the lantern. The one I have has a metal bottom. Others have glass bottoms where the coiled wick may be seen. Over top of the wick is the glass globe that allows the flame to burn more brightly without being blown out by a breeze. From time to time the wick grows black and flickers out. Then it is necessary to trim off the blacken top of the wick, expose more fresh wick and re-light. At other times the kerosene has been used up and needs to be replenished. The one purpose of the lantern is to shine light, dispel the darkness, enabling us to find our way around. My father used to tell of the times when he was a boy that there was no electricity, only lanterns to light rooms.
From time to time the wick grows black and flickers out. Then it is necessary to trim off the blacken top of the wick, expose more fresh wick and re-light.
The last book of the Bible, Revelation, flashes before our eyes a picture of Jesus standing among seven lampstands. It is likely that these were stands with lamps placed on the tops of them giving light wherever they were positioned. These lamps had to be tended. The wicks had to be checked. Sometimes the flame goes out and the wick needs to be both trimmed and lit again. Regularly, fresh oil was poured into the lamp. The sole purpose of the lamp was to shed light.
Jesus Christ has brought us to Himself that we might be lights in this dark world, not just individually but as a local church. We ought to burn brightly drawing people’s attention to the Christ whom we know and serve. The purpose of the church is to so shine, that the gospel of Christ penetrates the darkness of our surrounding communities. If the wick is not trimmed or the oil has gotten low, the light flickers weakly or can even go out! It is always a good thing to ask our Lord to cut away the old burnt wick, re-light our zeal and pour in fresh oil. Jesus is checking out the churches. Welcome Him!