If you have been around the church for any time you have probably noticed that there is a pattern in the Bible when it comes to numbers. One of those is the number 40. There are so many examples where a 40 day period of time represented a turning point in the lives of those in the story.
"The number 4
0 holds particular significance in the Bible and refers to a precise number, not just a long period of time. There are at least ten instances in the Old Testament and New Testament where 40 occurs, either in years or days, e.g. it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, Moses was on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights, the Israelites wandered 40 years, Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and was seen on the earth for 40 days after His crucifixion.
Ok, if this is true this "40" number certainly has a deep meaning for you and I. What we intend to do throughout Lent really does line up with the meaning of the number 40. We are on a journey of repentance, self-reflection, prayer, fasting and seeking the face of God. As we spend this time humbling ourselves it will most definitely be a time of testing and trial but as we shared at the Ash Wednesday service it will end with a time of restoration and revival.
A couple years ago when I was ending an extended time of fasting and I had this very clear revelation.
Are you willing to pay the price? Are you willing to humble yourself and pray and seek His face in order to see God totally transform your life. As those ancient believer's did, we take these 40 days so that in the end we will be renewed by the presence of the Lord.
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Forty days Moses was in the mount, Exodus 24:18; and to receive the Law, Exodus 24:18.
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Forty days of the spies, issuing in the penal sentence of the 40 years, Numbers 13:26, 14:34.
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Forty days of Jonah and Nineveh, Jonah 3:4.
Forty days Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, Matthew 4:2.
"The number 4
0 holds particular significance in the Bible and refers to a precise number, not just a long period of time. There are at least ten instances in the Old Testament and New Testament where 40 occurs, either in years or days, e.g. it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, Moses was on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights, the Israelites wandered 40 years, Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and was seen on the earth for 40 days after His crucifixion. A 40-something time period, whether days, months, or years is ALWAYS a period of testing, trial, probation, or chastisement (but not judgment) and ends with a period of restoration, revival or renewal.
Thankfully, God is consistent, so the meaning of a number in Genesis remains the same all the way to the book of Revelation. Sometimes the spiritual significance is not revealed directly, but in the case of "40" and its many examples throughout the Bible, we can be certain of its importance and significance." (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_significance_does_the_number_40_have_in_the_Bible)Ok, if this is true this "40" number certainly has a deep meaning for you and I. What we intend to do throughout Lent really does line up with the meaning of the number 40. We are on a journey of repentance, self-reflection, prayer, fasting and seeking the face of God. As we spend this time humbling ourselves it will most definitely be a time of testing and trial but as we shared at the Ash Wednesday service it will end with a time of restoration and revival.
A couple years ago when I was ending an extended time of fasting and I had this very clear revelation.
"Pay the price and I will see His Glory!"
Are you willing to pay the price? Are you willing to humble yourself and pray and seek His face in order to see God totally transform your life. As those ancient believer's did, we take these 40 days so that in the end we will be renewed by the presence of the Lord.
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