Seven

SEVEN—This number occurs frequently in Scripture, and in such connections as lead to the supposition that it has some typical meaning. On the seventh day God rested, and hallowed it (Gen. 2:2, 3). The division of time into weeks of seven days each accounts for many instances of the occurrence of this number. This number has been called the symbol of perfection, and also the symbol of rest. “Jacob’s seven years’ service to Laban; Pharaoh’s seven fat oxen and seven lean ones; the seven branches of the golden candlestick; the seven trumpets and the seven priests who sounded them; the seven days’ siege of Jericho; the seven churches, seven spirits, seven stars, seven seals, seven vials, and many others, sufficiently prove the importance of this sacred number” (see Lev. 25:4; 1 Sam. 2:5; Ps. 12:6; 79:12; Prov. 26:16; Isa. 4:1; Matt. 18:21, 22; Luke 17:4). The feast of Passover (Ex. 12:15, 16), the feast of Weeks (Deut. 16:9), of Tabernacles (16:13), and the Jubilee (Lev. 25:8), were all ordered by seven. Seven is the number of sacrifice (2 Chr. 29:21; Job 42:8), of purification and consecration (Lev. 4:6, 17; 8:11, 33; 14:9, 51), of forgiveness (Matt. 18:21, 22; Luke 17:4), of reward (Deut. 28:7; 1 Sam. 2:5), and of punishment (Lev. 26:21, 24, 28; Deut. 28:25). It is used for any round number in such passages as Job 5:19; Prov. 26:16, 25; Isa. 4:1; Matt. 12:45. It is used also to mean “abundantly” (Gen. 4:15, 24; Lev. 26:24; Ps. 79:12).

                       M. G. Easton, Easton’s Bible Dictionary (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1893).

     Ancient cultures (including the Israelite's) were fascinated by numbers.  Numbers were much more to them than just a means of counting.  Another biblical way of interpreting the number seven is that it is a number of 'completion.'  Someone or something or some event has come 'full-circle.'  On the seventh day God rested....He had completed creation.  The Elevate mission team going to Honduras this year is small.....and perfect.  I am very happy to be part of this team.  A group of seven brothers and sisters in Christ going to another part of the world to be shining examples of His light to others and to be influenced by other examples of His shining light.  God is the eternal teacher.  I cannot wait to see and hear what He is going to teach the Honduras mission team.  10 straight days of being surprised by God....I can't help but to smile every time I think about it!!

Sovereign Heavenly Father,

Please be with this team as we travel Lord.  Watch-over, guide, and protect us Lord as we work to serve you.  Holy Father, help us to keep our hearts and minds open to you; that you may more freely work your will through us.  May your name be lifted up and praised in all that we say and do.  In all things Father;  may Your will, not ours be done.  It's in your Son Jesus Christs' name we pray; Amen.

Peace and Blessings,

Eric