The number 40 specifically in the Bible has deep meaning, even to this day, 40 days are those that you recommend to the woman to rest after giving birth. 40 are the weeks of gestation. “Forty” is the only word form of a number where the letters all appear in alphabetical order.
Many Theologians think that the number 40 represents "change", it is the time of preparation of a person or people to give a fundamental change, something will happen after these 40 days.
Perhaps the most well known of 40 days period in the New Testament is surely the wilderness period of Christ’s temptations.
Jesus was tempted by the devil to put three values above the love of God : pleasure (bread standing for food, money, other such comforts), power (all the kingdoms of the world), and security (presuming on God to work miracles for him). During these 40 days of Lent we do well to ask what are my temptations, the indulgences that pull me from God? Most of us fall into one or two traps repeatedly.
In our desire to serve God and to live as Jesus did, there will be temptations, as there were for him. He was tempted to abandon his chosen mission, to use all his power for himself, to trust in himself alone. Our temptations may be different, but the reality is the same. We will find ways in which attractions other than the way of Jesus will demand our focus and activity. We know Jesus as one who knows the reality of temptation. The side of ourselves which wants to follow.
Paul in his letter to the Romans gives a formulae for overcoming evil; he writes “Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.” (Romans 12:21
Lord, open my eyes to my weaknesses, to the things in me that exasperate others; and if others criticise me, may I learn from them instead of resisting angrily. Amen
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