40 || Numbers of Lent #1

The song, “Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days” refers to the story of Jesus’ temptation after he was Baptized from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Jesus was sent by the Holy Spirit into the desert for 40 days. During these 40 days, Jesus had nothing to eat. He did what was called “fasting”, which means to give up something for a period of time in order to focus your thoughts on God. I don’t know about you, but I can not go more than like a couple hours without eating. Jesus went 40 DAYS…that’s a long time. After a few days, I’m sure he was weak, tired, hungry, sleepy, irritated, and hungry. The devil came around to tempt Jesus three different times, but Jesus remembered the words that were taught from the Old Testament and knew he wasn’t going to be tempted by him. After those 40 days, the devil gave up and left. We talked about the number “40” a lot today, haven’t we? That’s what we’re going to focus on.

The first Sunday of Lent starts our own 40-day journey through this season. From then until Easter, we will embark on our own 40 days to talk about the story of Jesus during ministry, to his final breath on the Cross, and his resurrection. The number “40” appears over 98 times in the Bible, and most of the time it refers to some type of journeying. Let me show you some examples:

• Not only did Jesus go through this forty day fast, but Moses and Elijah did as well. We talked about them last Sunday on Transfiguration Sunday. Each of them went through this same journey and learned more about who God is.
• The Israelites had to wander in the desert for forty years. After leaving Egypt, they didn’t know what to do. God wanted them to go to the Promised Land, but they doubted God. God had them wander around for 40 years until the next generation came around.
• Noah’s flood lasted for 40 days.
• Saul, David, and Solomon each ruled for 40 years.
• Moses spent 40 days and nights twice, receiving all of God’s laws for the Hebrews.

And this is just some of the 146 times that the number “40” is mentioned. Each story represents a different journey that each generation had to go through, which can be referred to as 40 years. As we talk about the words and numbers from the cross during this Lenten season, I want to offer this challenge to you.

Let’s go on a Lenten Journey together. Let us fast from something that’s important to us. I’m not asking you to not eat for 40 days, but maybe fast from social media, or video games, or coffee…like I am. Take that time and spend it God’s word. We have a devotional series available that takes us through Lent that you can do as well. Hear God’s word as we go through this journey together. To encourage you, let me say that: SUNDAYS DO NOT COUNT TOWARDS THE 40 DAYS…you can use what you fasted from that day. Let that be our secret.

I’ll see you soon with our next message