NICK HODGSON

Forty days is a recurring time period in the Bible where it is often associated with a time of spiritual development and preparation. Here are some of the significant mentions:

• Noah. In Genesis, God causes 40 days and 40 nights of rain in an event which cleansed the earth of all its wickedness and, through his obedience, transformed Noah’s life.

• Moses. His “40 day” experience took place on top Mount Sinai in a cloud with God. At the end of this time Moses descended to the Jewish nation, with clear instruction, direction and guidelines for living. This period prepared Moses for his leading role in leading the Jewish people into freedom.

• Elijah. One of the great prophets of the Old Testament, Elijah’s life was transformed when he was sustained for 40 days by a single meal.

• The Ninevites. In the Book of Jonah, God granted the Ninevites 40 days to clean up their act or face destruction. They took this opportunity to fast, repent and repair their evil and misdirected ways.

• Jesus. In the New Testament, Jesus knew not to enter his period of ministry without having a 40 day experience. He fasted in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights before being tested by Satan.

• The Disciples. The disciples were lost and despondent after watching their mentor being executed as a lowly criminal. But then Jesus rose again. Before returning to be by His Father’s side, Jesus spent 40 intense days with his charges. During this time he confirmed all that he had predicted about himself and commissioned the disciples for their own great deeds.

So, is there an alternative program? If Noah hadn’t agreed to the 40 day plan, the human race would not have existed today. Or maybe we would just be remembering a different hero whom God had selected as Noah’s replacement?

If Moses, meanwhile, had compromised his stay on the mountaintop, the Jews may have wandered in the desert for 400 years instead of 40 while if Jesus had fallen aside during his 40 days of purpose, what would we call ourselves today? And without the disciples’ “40 days of purpose” none of us would ever have heard about the good news!

I think I’ll give “option A”, the 40 day plan, a shot.

Nick Hodgson is the "40 days of purpose" campaign director at the Ocean Grove Baptist Church in Victoria, Australia.