Be Still And Know

Acts 1:3 NLT 'During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.' Thursday 21 May 2020 is Ascension Day. It will conclude Jesus’ ministry on earth. Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus will return to the side of his Father in heaven. For Jesus’ contemporaries, the number 40 was significant. Throughout scripture it represents both a long time as well as marking a period of trial. Moses and the Israelites were in the wilderness for 40 years, while Jesus, following his baptism, fasted for 40 days. As the product of 5 x 8, the number represented grace (signified by the number five) and new beginning or revival (signified by the number eight). Everything within Jesus’ life and ministry contains a clear meaning. The disciples enjoyed 40 days of fellowship with the risen Christ. This dispelled any doubts they had about Jesus’ promise to return from the dead.