The True King of Kings
“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.’” - Revelation 3:1
As we continue to look at the letters, Jesus begins His letter to the church in Sardis by identifying Himself as the One who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. This might sound mysterious, but it carries a powerful message for the believers in Sardis and for us today.
The phrase "seven spirits of God" appears four times in the book of Revelation and refers to the seven-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit, as described in Isaiah 11:2: “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, a Spirit of counsel and strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.” Jesus is saying, “I am He—the one who holds the fullness of God’s Spirit.”
When He mentions the seven stars, He’s making a bold statement that challenges the claims of the Roman Emperor Domitian. Domitian, who declared himself a god and demanded worship, had coins minted with his image, depicting him sitting on top of the world among seven stars. This was his way of showing his supposed divine power.
Imagine being a member of the church in Sardis, with these coins in your pocket, constantly reminded of Domitian’s claims. Then you receive a letter from Jesus, who says, “I’m the One who truly holds the seven stars. I’m the King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Domitian is not all-powerful—I am.”
Jesus knew exactly what was happening in Sardis, just as He knows what’s happening in our lives today. His message then and now is clear: He is the true sovereign, the ultimate authority, and the source of all power.
Jesus, who holds the fullness of the Spirit and the stars, is in control. Whatever challenges you face, remember that He is the one with ultimate authority and power. Trust in Him, and let His sovereignty bring you peace and confidence. No earthly power can compare to our King of Kings.
As we continue to look at the letters, Jesus begins His letter to the church in Sardis by identifying Himself as the One who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. This might sound mysterious, but it carries a powerful message for the believers in Sardis and for us today.
The phrase "seven spirits of God" appears four times in the book of Revelation and refers to the seven-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit, as described in Isaiah 11:2: “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, a Spirit of counsel and strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.” Jesus is saying, “I am He—the one who holds the fullness of God’s Spirit.”
When He mentions the seven stars, He’s making a bold statement that challenges the claims of the Roman Emperor Domitian. Domitian, who declared himself a god and demanded worship, had coins minted with his image, depicting him sitting on top of the world among seven stars. This was his way of showing his supposed divine power.
Imagine being a member of the church in Sardis, with these coins in your pocket, constantly reminded of Domitian’s claims. Then you receive a letter from Jesus, who says, “I’m the One who truly holds the seven stars. I’m the King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Domitian is not all-powerful—I am.”
Jesus knew exactly what was happening in Sardis, just as He knows what’s happening in our lives today. His message then and now is clear: He is the true sovereign, the ultimate authority, and the source of all power.
Jesus, who holds the fullness of the Spirit and the stars, is in control. Whatever challenges you face, remember that He is the one with ultimate authority and power. Trust in Him, and let His sovereignty bring you peace and confidence. No earthly power can compare to our King of Kings.
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