The number 40 and transitions

“40” is the number that can signify two things: 1) preparation, and 2) transition. 

Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness being prepared to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness.  The end of the 40 years marked a critical transition in his life from being a shepherd leader overseeing a flock of sheep to a shepherding leader who oversaw the people of God. 

We also see Elijah being prepared for his transition and new assignment as a prophet of God, during the 40 days that he made his way to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8). 

And even Jesus Christ Himself, spent 40 days in the wilderness for His preparation and transition into the start of His earthly ministry.  

 As we are moving on into these 40 days from Resurrections Sunday lets ask ourselves