Forty Days Forty Years

Some years down the line, I have spent more than forty consecutive days in the hospital bed in a span of a short time.

When I finally reached home, I was rushed back to the ER and to the ICU again. Perhaps it was not the best of forty days in my forty years. It affected my way of life, thought process, and as a person in many ways.

Today, I wanted to write on the biblical significance of forty and with a little bit of me. You may also read it as Lent – an Anglo-Saxon word.

Forty Days of Flood:

The number forty is a significant biblical number. In Genesis, the flood was after 40 days and nights of rain Genesis 7:12, 17. This period is the preparation of the heart clinging onto the word of God for Noah’s family.

It was that water or 150 days of flood which has wiped out from the face of the earth the human race that the Lord God has created—and with them the animals, the birds, and the creatures that move along the ground—for God regrets that he has made them.

However, the root of evil remained strong and this flood is an event to learn lessons from generations to come.

Forty Years in the Wilderness:

Moses and the Hebrews spent 40 years in the wilderness Deuteronomy 29:5 after they were brought out of Egypt.

Their days or years in the wilderness have been lengthened (lenten) for them to reach the promised destination. First, that their heart will be set towards God. Second, the hand of God in the hardships be passed from generation to generation.

It was in the wilderness of those years they learned so many instructions and lessons from God. Moses fasted for 40 days on Mount Sinai to be in God’s presence. Exodus 34:28.

There the Ten Commandments for the Israelites were given, which is also known as the Mosaic Covenant.

Forty Days for Repentance:

Jonah was the unlikely prophet in a way. While many people would love to serve the Lord, he hesitated. However, looking at the historical perspective and people of Nineveh it was not a strange thing for a human mind.

As instructed by the Lord God, Jonah gave Nineveh 40 days to repent Jonah 3:4. Then, he went through the large city proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.”

Without the proclaimer, no one will hear.
Without repentance, there is no forgiveness.
Without forgiveness, there is no peace with God.

Forty Days of Fasting:

Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness Luke 4:1–13. All three accounts of the gospel where Jesus’ days in the wilderness are mentioned, say that Jesus fasted for forty days.

This concept brings forth the idea of fasting prayer to God. We simply did not fast only physically but also in our hearts. If the mind is not ready to humble before the Lord God, the will of fasting prayers does not stem from us. Once I did fasted for four day and for night – not nearing anywhere forty.

But if you fast or pray do it quietly closing the door – not simply showing off or just as a ritual.

Forty days before Ascension:

Jesus died and he rose again. Death has lost its power.

Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:55-58

Later Jesus spent 40 days after the Resurrection before his ascension to Heaven.

After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3.

Forty Years of a Sojourner:

By the grace of God, there were innumerable experiences in the journey of a sojourner. In the years of my bittersweet pilgrimage, I too have stories to tell. Mistakes were made; peace with God was also found.

I haven’t fought the good fight yet. Many more good times to come.
In my forty years, I took the easy and pleasant road once. It was obvious my pilgrimage was on the road less traveled.

As a sojourner, my experiences make me want more love, there were things I would not do if things went my way. However, I learned to forgive myself just as God has forgiven me!

I make more peace with myself. And, I do believe good times will prevail now after forty years of my life!

Life is not a bed of roses, it’s the prick of the thorn that makes life worth living. It’s all about getting ready to stand in His abiding presence.