Day 18

“saying, “Write on a scroll what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” Rev 1:11 NASB 

The seven churches are the first of a series of seven-fold visions in the Book of Revelation; seven churches, seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowl-plagues. Each of these seven-fold visions is preceded by an introductory scene. For example, the vision of the seven letters (Revelation 2 and 3) is preceded by a vision of Christ among the seven lampstands (Rev 1:12-20). The introductory scenes are like stage backdrops in front of which the actions of each vision take place. As a result, John Bowman (in The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible) persuasively sets out the thesis that Revelation is modelled on the form of an ancient Greek play, with seven acts and seven scenes, played out against the backdrop of each vision’s introduction. 

In the Book of Revelation, then, God has used the familiar form of the first-century drama to communicate a message about what is real in the universe. While actors speak of things that are not as if they were true, drama can be a powerful vehicle to express truth. We are actors in the drama of the ages. 

The role of the Christian in a secular world is challenging. We must always act with the mission in mind, yet be accessible to those in need. Who is skilful enough to meet the challenge? No one, but with God all things are possible. He chose a murderer with a speech impediment to lead his people out of Egypt (Moses). He chose the runt of the litter to slay the giant (David). He was born in a manger, yet changed the world! He calls the unlikely to do what seems impossible. He doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the ones He calls.