But I recently saw a post on a friend's Facebook timeline. Mind you, she didn't write it, it was shared by someone who shared by someone and they shared it too, but how appropriate to today's current situation. It provides a biblical perspective to our quarantine. I'll paraphrase it for you...
The Latin root of the word "quarantine" is "forty". 40 is a recurring number in the Bible.
- The Flood (with Noah and the Ark) lasted 40 days and 40 nights.
- 40 years Moses fled Egypt.
- Moses stayed on Mt Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments for 40 days.
- The exodus to the Promised Land lasted 40 years (The Israelites wandered in the wilderness)
- Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days while he was tempted by Satan.
- 40 days is the average time given for a woman to rest after giving birth.
- Human gestation, the optimum number is 40 weeks.
When all this quarantine started in March, May 1st will represent 40 days. 40 days in our quarantine. There is a group is theologians that thinks the number 40 represents change. 40 days is a time to prepare a person or people to make a fundamental change. In the Bible, whenever the number 40 appears, there is a "change". And during this quarantine, this change, our environment is being cleaned. Things are growing, air is cleaner due to less traffic, there is less crime and church is still happening in each of our homes. As the author of the post wrote, "the Earth is at rest for the first time in many years and hearts are truly transforming". People are still seeking out and turning their hearts to God.
Even more interesting are these little facts:
- We are living in 2020...20+20= 40
- Perfect vision is 2020
- 2020 is a census year and Jesus Christ was born during a census.
When you look at all the numbers, all the facts in the Bible, all of it, it all points to Christ.
God is at the center of this quarantine. He knew this was going to happen and has not been surprised. Only God could quiet an entire world and point all eyes and hearts to Him. Satan thought he would create chaos But God has brought Jesus into our homes.
Yes, this quarantine time is frustrating, overwhelming and some days just down right boring. I totally agree. My husband still has to work and I find myself just as excited as our dog when he gets home cause it's a human I can talk to! I get it. Some days are easier than others. But even though 2020 hasn't turned out the way we thought it should, has it really been so horrible to have some time out to just "be" in the moment. Often we get so busy with life that we miss out on moments we need to be present for. God has stopped the world so that we have an opportunity to be present with Him. Be present with our families. Be present to our lives.
When we get out of this quarantine, what will your "new normal" look like? Will you go back to the way you used to do things? Will you pick up right where you left off 40 days ago? Or will you start a new routine? Will you be more intentional with your time? Don't waste what God has given us. He has gifted us 40 days to look to and trust Him. 40 days to draw closer to Him.
"Praise the Lord, all nations! Glorify Him, all peoples! For great is His faithful love to us; the Lord's faithfulness endures forever. Hallelujah!" Psalm 117 (HCSB)
Father, open our eyes to see You in a new way during this 40 days You have gifted us. Help us to come out of this quarantine stronger through the strength that You have within us. Lord, I pray that anyone that does not know You would feel a pricking of their heart to spend time with You. Let us trust You in these 40 days and not be consumed with fear and frustration but instead, rest in Your loving and fully capable arms. Amen.
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