Seven

I had knee replacement number 7 in June 2021.

I pray this ends my knee journey.

I decided this time not to focus on asking God when the surgeries will end but rather to research the significance of the number seven in God’s Word.

The number seven signifies completion and perfection. God completed His work of creation in six days and rested on the seventh day (Genesis 1; 2:1, 2).

This is our example from God about how we should balance our lives. Six days for us, one day to give God all our time and worship.

The number seven is also part of Christ’s death on the cross.

Seven times Jesus spoke from the cross, showing completion of His work of salvation. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34, NIV). “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (verse 43, NIV).

To His mother, He said, “Woman, here is your son,” then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother” (John 19:26, 27, NIV). “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, NIV). “I am thirsty” (John 19:28, NIV).

“It is finished” (verse 30, NIV). “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46, NIV). The number seven denotes promises.

God’s promise not to destroy the earth again (Genesis 9:8–15) is visible in the seven colors of the rainbow. (Did you include indigo?) My favorite number seven is seen when God instructs Joshua to march around the walls of Jericho once a day for six days and then seven times on the seventh day —and the walls of Jericho fell (Joshua 6:1–20). These and many more examples in the Bible give meaning to the number seven. I do not know what it means for my knee journey, but I thank God for using this number to point me to His perfection and completion and fulfillment of His promises.

Heather-Dawn Small