Across the street from the Knesset Building stands a large 7-branch candlestick, which is the symbol of the State of Israel. The Menora is made up of panels depicting scenes from the Old Testament account of the Israelis leaving Egypt, under the leadership of Moses, back to the land of Canaan.

        On April 26, 1955, Israel published a postage stamp with the picture of the emblem of the state, a seven lamp candlestick between two olive branches. The designer stated that this stamp is symbolic in design. What is the meaning of these symbols on this stamp?

        First of all, the seven lamp candlestick is what was used in the tabernacle of Moses to point to the truth that Jesus is the light of the world. So the Jews have as their state emblem the lamp stand, signifying Christ, but on the stamp, the lamp stand is lit, signifying the Messiah is already come. This Messiah is Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, buried, and raised on the third day in Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel.

        While I was in Israel in 1971, the guide that I had was a pure Jew, not a Christian Jew. As I was talking to him, he made the remark that he believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah and that they are looking for him to come again. Upon this statement I excitedly replied, “Oh, then, you are a Christian!” and he just as quickly answered “No.” I said, “Well, you believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah; then you are saved.” He replied, “I do not need to be saved, for I am of the seed of Abraham.” This is the same answer that the Jews gave Jesus, when he said they must be saved as it is recorded in John 8:31-34 “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.”

        Not all of the Jews, by any chance, believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah. Some do, as this man, but the majority of the Jews is looking for the Messiah to come for the first time, according to their thinking.

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