The Year of Sevens

2014—is a year of Sevens (2+0+1+4=7 & 14/2=7)

 What significance does the number seven have for Christians? Well, many! Here’s just a few:

In the bible, the number seven represents fullness, completion/finality, rest, and spiritual perfection (Gen 1:31 & 2:1-3; Dan 9:2, 12: 5-7; Rev 10:5-7, Rev 16:17—consider reading the amplified (amp) version of these verses).

http://www.biblewheel.com/Topics/SevenfoldLight.php --discusses the Menorah and some of the other articles/furniture pieces (totaling seven) in the Arc of the Covenant and how they are built on the concept of sevens. This is great because as we get ready to do the Daniel fast and delve deeper into the Books of Daniel and Revelation led by Harold we can see God bringing all of this together for us. The discussion on this site will also bring to mind some of the things God led Harold to reveal to us when he first visited our class and instructed on the contents and meaning of the Arc of the Covenant.

As we’ve also been learning more about the Jewishness of our savior via “Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus” the following excerpt may also strike as interesting and relevant to where God is leading our studies:

"In the Hebrew, 7 is shevah. It is from the root savah, to be full or satisfied, have enough of. Hence the meaning of the word "seven" is dominated by this root, for on the seventh day God rested from the work of Creation. It was full and complete, and good and perfect. Nothing could be added to it or taken from it without marring it. Hence the word Shavath, to cease, desist, rest, and Shabbath, Sabbath, or day of rest."

It is 7, therefore, that stamps with perfection and completeness that in connection with which it is used. Of time, it tells of the Sabbath, and marks off the week of seven days, which, artificial as it may seem to be, is universal and immemorial in its observance amongst all nations and in all times. It tells of that eternal Sabbath-keeping which remains for the people of God in all its everlasting perfection.
In the creative works of God, seven completes the colors of the spectrum and rainbow, and satisfies in music the notes of the scale. In each of these the eighth is only a repetition of the first.”

This excerpt can be read in its entirety at:
 http://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/7.html
where there are other significance of the number seven mentioned such as the seven fold blessing of Abraham, God’s seven part covenant with Israel, and the seven sprinklings of the temple.

Scriptures to Ponder and Apply: Psalms 12:6 (amp) says, “The words and promises of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times over”. Now, read the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:19-30 (amp). In the second half of verse 19 Nebuchadnezzar “ordered that the furnace be heated seven times more than it was usually heated [emphasis mine]”.  When the whole ordeal was over (finished) in verses 28 and 30 King Nebuchadnezzar “Blessed” God and “Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon”. 

What can we learn from these verses that should be directly applied to our lives in this year? If you’ve been praying about a situation for awhile, have gone through what seems like trial by fire, have been trusting God and holding out, then your circumstances and barriers will begin to bless God and you’ll be promoted to the next perfect level God has planned for you. God’s word/promises that He has made to you personally will be refined/realized/perfected in this year of sevens. 

My Humble Prayer for Us:  Abba, your word says that you will perfect that which concerns us (Psalms138:8) and again that you know the thoughts you have for us—thoughts of peace to give us hope (Jer 29:11); therefore, thank you for gathering our concerns, bottling our tears, dispelling our fears, addressing our needs and perfecting your WORD in our lives in this 2014 year of perfection. You instructed us to be perfect because you ARE already perfect (Matt 5:48)—thank you for perfecting us to affect others for your glory. 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Keisha Blackwell

Women of Grace Member

Community Bible Church