“After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.”
Acts 1:3 (NIV)
Jesus fasted and was tempted in the desert for 40 days, but on day 41, the devil departed from Him. He appeared to many people after His resurrection, over a period of forty days, and then He ascended back into Heaven. The early church was formed on that 41st day, when Jesus left this world, entrusting His church to spread the good news about Him.
Forty is a pretty special number throughout scripture. It represents a time of testing or suffering. I have always been fascinated by God’s choice and use of numbers, and after 40, comes the number 41, representing hope realized.
The number 40 is repeated throughout the old and new Testaments. In the days of Noah, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, but on day 41, the rain stopped and a rainbow appeared. Moses left the Egyptian palace in fear, living as a shepherd in the land of Midian for 40 years, but in the 41st year, he was called to lead the Israelites out of slavery. Moses spent 40 days on top of Mount Sinai overshadowed with fire, smoke and lightning, but on day 41, he came down from the mountain bringing with him the ten Commandments.
Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days, but on day 41 he was slain by David. Jonah preached a message of repentance to the people of Nineveh for 40 days, and on day 41, the entire city believed and was saved. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, but in year 41, they finally entered their Promised Land.
There are so many other bible stories involving the number 40, there isn’t room to write about it.
The number 40 may represent a time of testing and trials, but it also has a deeper meaning that sends a message of hope to us through all these examples, saying,
“Don’t give up, 41 is coming!”
It’s a number that reminds us to never stop believing, never give up hope, and to keep our eyes on Jesus, instead of our dilemma, because He always has a word of encouragement for us in the midst of our fiery trials and storms.
The giants will fall, the rainstorm will stop, the devil will flee, the lost will be found, and God will lead us out of our desert and into the promised land. However bleak the world appears at times, we know that 41 is coming. Our living hope is Jesus, and just as He left this world on the 40th day after His resurrection, He is coming back again in the same way.
Lord, because you live, we live also. Renew our hope so that whatever we go through, we may know that you meant for us to be over comers, through your peace, love and joy. Amen
