Faithful on Fridays Blog

The Holy Spirit

John addressed this prophetic letter to the seven churches, but it was from our triune God (Rev. 1:4-5): Father, Son, and specifically the Spirit. John writes the ‘seven spirits’ before the throne, our first seven to investigate. As we back into the future we find the prophet Isaiah (11:2, 61:1-2) listing many characteristics and empowerments of the Spirit that point to His fullness. The Holy Spirit is fully God and seven indicates His divine Presence in the Throne Room with the Father and the Son (3:1, 4:5). We don’t look literally at the number seven, that’s the lower story, but we focus on the upper story, the spiritual reality of the comprehensive perfection of the Spirit. He has all we need in these latter days: He’s the full supply, the seven, of God.

Looking back into the Old Testament notice the only light in the Tabernacle or Temple was a golden lampstand with seven branches; the number seven also means the illumination exuding from His divine Presence. Later, the prophet Daniel fasted for three sets of seven (three weeks) and had a supernatural vision of the Messiah (10:5-9) similar to the picture of Jesus John received (Rev. 1:12-16). Additionally, Zechariah’s visions revealed an image of Messiah as a ‘single stone’ with seven eyes (3:8-9) and a lampstand with seven branches and wicks. The angel interpreted the vision for us,

… “These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range through the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:10b

These visions give us revelation of God, His complete vision and sufficiency for what we need at all times that’s not by human might or power, but by the Spirit (vs. Zech. 4:6).

This letter was written to encourage the Church for all time with revelation of Himself (seven spirits) to carry us through any time of tribulation. The Holy Spirit is also seen as seven burning torches of fire (Rev. 4:5) which, again, is His illumination and passion, but also His full strength (horns) for us,

And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Revelation 5:6 

That’s a lot of sevens, I know, but stay with me.  

In summary, the number seven in Revelation is the Presence of God, the Spirit, giving divine illumination of His fullness, preparing us to patiently endure the latter days in faith and confidence in His ample supply of all we need. The Church for all time and anywhere on the globe is encouraged that the Holy Spirit sees our circumstances, guides us with His light on our journey, and fills us with Himself,

And the church is His body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with Himself. Ephesians 1:23