Forty Days Of Purpose

Jesus had risen. He had been seen by the women and His disciples. It was real! He was alive! But many have questioned as to why He wasn’t resurrected from the tomb directly to Heaven? Like in everything God does, there was a great purpose in the 40 days He would spend on earth before His ascension.

But first, the number 40 represents a period of testing, trial, or probation. Noah and his family found refuge in the ark as it rained for 40 days and nights. Moses lived 40 years in Egypt, followed by 40 years in the desert, and both were used to prepare him for how God used him in delivering His people. Moses was up on Mt. Sinai for 40 days and nights receiving God’s laws. Jonah preached repentance to the Ninevites for 40 days.

Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness, while being tested by Satan.

But how were the disciples and friends of Jesus supposed to understand what was happening? Would Jesus just appear now and then, forever? Or is it for just a time? They were not given the itinerary, they were simply told that “He was the way, the truth, and the life,” and to “follow Him.”

This 40 days was used primarily to encourage His disciples and to prove beyond any doubt that He was indeed alive! Not one of them would have died for this Faith unless they were 100% sure Jesus had resurrected.

They needed to be assured that His words were true, and to be trusted. If He said He would rebuild His “temple” in 3 days, they now knew that He did exactly that. This solidified their trust in every detail He spoke.

But some doubted...He allowed even this period of time to dispel these doubts. Thomas’s account probably represents the majority of mankind, and yet God met him in his doubt, proving Himself to “not be quick to anger” but fully approachable and forgiving.

Friends, may we receive these same encouragements. May our faith be bolstered, reinforced and strengthened by His 40 day ministry. It wasn’t just for the disciples, but for us, too. We believe, through faith(not sight), that He rose in victory, that He walked among His people, and was “seen by many.” Any doubts that arise in us are quickly dispelled when we read of Jesus’ willingness to let Thomas put his hands in the holes of His hands and His side. How tender and loving!

This period of time before He returns may also feel like a time of testing, and waiting-and it is. May we also meet Jesus in this moment. Just like the disciples, hiding in fear in a locked room, we may rest assured that Jesus wants us to allow Him in-unlock the door-share our concerns, fears, and doubts with Him. He has a distinct purpose and He will make it known to us. Ultimately, the most important reason is simply to draw nearer to Him. The truth is, there is no One else we need more.