Daily Devotions

In Sacred Scripture, the number “40” signifies new life, new growth, transformation, a change from one great task to another great task, etc. For example we read of the days of the flood, the years Israel spent in the wilderness, the days Jesus spent doing the temptations in the wilderness and the 40 days before he ascended.

The use of this biblical 40 brings to mind such qualities as 

repentance, 

newness, 

preparation (particularly for an important work or task), 

self-examination, 

transformation, 

task fulfilment, 

escape from bondage or slavery, 

nourishment and spiritual growth 

and, finally, personal fulfilment, 

such as with redemption and salvation, and ultimately, new generation and new life.

Let's take just one example found in Luke 4:1-2 Jesus returned from the Jordan full of the Holy Spirit and he was led by the Spirit to spend forty days in the desert, where he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during that time and afterwards he felt very hungry.

Jesus, like Moses before him, retreats into the wilderness where he fasts for forty days. Each temptation involves a seizure of power: power over the elements of creation by turning stones into bread, political and military power by gaining power over the kingdoms of the world, and the power to force God's protection in an inappropriate manner. That Jesus was tested throughout his ministry was widely held in early Christianity. The Letter to the Hebrews tells us, "For do we not have a high priest (Jesus) who is unable to sympathise with out weakness, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin."

The fact that Jesus did not shy away from our human condition is important and our wilderness experiences have a significance for us too. As Presbyterian minister and author Frederick Buechner explains, “After being baptised, Jesus went off alone into the wilderness where he spent 40 days asking himself the question what it meant to be Jesus.” Perhaps we should ask ourselves the same question.

Lord, you told of these temptations to your disciples - how else would they have known? Help me to overcome my own temptations, the weaknesses or wickedness that draw me? Give me eyes to see my temptations as you did, against the backdrop of the vocation to which you call me. Teach me to recognise that you say to me ; “be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 40:10)