The King Among Lamps

Today the Scriptures set before us two rulers and one true Lord. Manasseh used his throne to defile the house of God, and only in affliction did he humble himself. The mother in Proverbs teaches a king the opposite path: not self-indulgence, but sobriety, justice, strength for mercy, and a household ordered in the fear of God. Over both scenes stands the risen Christ, walking among the lampstands, judging, speaking, and blessing those who hear and keep His word.

This is a hard mercy. A man may spend years building idols and yet, when brought low, learn to pray. But none should presume on delay. The same Lord who received Manasseh’s repentance is the One whom John saw in glory. As Irenaeus says, He is seen "and in the midst of the candlesticks One like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment reaching to the feet, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle;". He is present among His churches now, not absent, and He knows whether our houses are faithful or corrupt.

So let each one order his life as under the eyes of Christ. Let rulers judge rightly; let wives and mothers labor in chastity, diligence, and mercy; let husbands and children answer such labor with honor. Clement reminds us of the blessed household, "whose children rise up and call her blessed, as the sacred Word says by Solomon: Her husband also, and he praises her." If we have rebuilt what God tore down in us, let us cast it out. If we have neglected the poor at the gate, let us open our mouth for them. Blessed is not the hearer only, but the keeper.