Introduction
The categorization of the ‘sevens’ into these headings helps to see the major divisions of the book of Revelation and to follow its transitions in the order listed below:
- Churches (Rev 1-5)– Churches, Spirit, Candlesticks, Stars, Lamps, Eyes
- Miseries (Rev 6-16)– Seals, Vials, Angels, Last plagues, Trumpets, Thousand men, Thunders
- Babylon (17-18)– Horns, Heads, Mountains, Kings, Crowns
- Mystery Fulfilled (Rev 19-22)- Marriage supper of the Lamb, Millenium, Armageddon, New Jerusalem
For effective reading of the book of Revelation, having these divisions in mind help to understand the Book better.
The first six ‘sevens’– Churches, Spirit, Candlesticks, Stars, Lamps, Eyes
The Church is the main theme here. It is described as the seven golden candlesticks1 or candlesticks. I am impressed that God sees these churches (His Church) as golden candlesticks in spite of their flaws of unsatisfactory doctrines and practices. 71.5% of the churches, humanly speaking, were condemnable, but God did not write them off. He corrected them, warned them…He even praised them. How unlike men is God? Whatever is said about what we see in the churches, they are still Golden Lampstands before God.
Churches are lampstands. Are they mere lampstands without lamps? I do not think so. Because the Spirit, which is also described by the seven lamps2 is in the church, the lampstands are not empty- the lamps and the lampstands have become one and inseparable. By the Spirit, the lamps of the churches burn and shine. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers the Church to shine as a lamp set on a hill. If we neglect the Spirit and refuse Him, we are cut off from the source of power.
The seven stars3 refer to the messengers of the churches. Some claim they are spiritual beings while others believe they are the Pastors or leaders of the churches. Whichever position we take, the seven stars definitely are light bearers and guides to the churches. As the Lord said through Jeremiah, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” Jer 3:15. These ‘Angels’ are the teachers, counsellors, and carers of God’s people. Their authorities are directly from Christ who holds them. These are neither self-appointed nor appointed by men, they are appointed by God therefore God confirms their messages and works.
- The Address– The Book was addressed to the seven churches4 in Asia (1:4, 11) namely- Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. These churches were in Asia Minor which was West of the region and present day Turkey. One may ask, why were the messages sent to the churches in Asia and not the whole world? While the Gospel had touched some parts of Europe, Africa and Greater Asia at the time of John’s writing, the concentration and establishment of churches were in Asia minor. It was in this region that Paul laboured much and the pattern of church life and practices were developed and modelled. I believe, the seven churches are representative of all other churches in the world and every generation as Noah and Abraham represented all humans and all who are of faith respectively, in the covenant God made with them. Therefore, the messages to the seven churches are relevant to all churches in every generation. Wherever and whenever the conditions of these churches are witnessed the message of God is the same. Where the context fits, the message is fitting.
- Trinity Acknowledged– Rev 1:4-5. The Godhead- Father, Holy Spirit and the Son, in this order, are acknowledged by John in his prayer that grace and peace may be given to the churches. The Father is described as He who is and was and is to come Rev 4:8. It reveals God as the ever present one, in time and every generation. He is always there- today, yesterday and in the future. The implications are deeper than our minds can fathom. But we must praise Him who is, who was and is to come. Before we arrived, He was there, while we are here, He is, and when we are long gone, He will be there- ever loving and ever faithful. The Spirit, the Holy Spirit is described as the ‘seven spirits5‘ implying that His fullness is ever before the throne and everywhere else. His omnipresence and omniscience are here emphasized. The seven eyes6 (5:6) are described as illustrating the seven spirits, this indicates His vision, His all-knowing. And the Spirit is described as being the seven lamps (4:5), still indicating full and true knowledge. Lastly, the Lord Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, who revealed all the glory of God to us was also acknowledged. Such a message backed up by the Godhead must be very important and not to be taken lightly. The messenger must be in the Spirit for him to deliver these messages faithfully. He cannot be casual or in the flesh. The Word of God must not be treated casually or as a joke, it carries the stamp of the Godhead on it.
- He who has an ear… Seven times this admonition came to the churches. It is obvious that members of the churches had two ears each and were not deaf. But the things of the Spirit cannot be perceived by the hearing of a physical ear Is 64:4. Human senses cannot discern God or His Spirit. A spiritual ear is needed and that is what is implied here. Do you have one? The cry here is to pay attention and seek understanding. God does not want us to be obstinate but open minded- to always have a second look at ourselves, our ways and our works. When ears are closed to truth there cannot be transformation. When necessary, if we are unwilling to think again our thoughts, reexamine our doctrines, revisit our understanding, and reassess our works, we are in grave danger of missing God. This is the attitude every believer must maintain before God in other to follow His Spirit. Note that what the Spirit is saying is what Christ is saying. There can be no diminishing the words of the Spirit. We cannot hear Christ unless we pay attention to the words of the Spirit which are first and foremost documented for us.