AHERN Staff Writer - May 1, 2020

Forward In Faith

Most of us don’t think of ourselves as being part of a bible story.  We read the stories, we study the experiences, we apply the principles, but we almost never see our reality as part of the unfolding story.

Well, the truth of the matter is that while we may not be like Moses, or Abraham or even Esther or Ruth, we are a part of a greater story and our pages are being written every day.  

I recently read a little commentary from Arnie Cole, who is a writer for a daily publication called “Back to the Bible”.    Mr. Cole wrote that we are now completing nearly 40 days (give or take) of quarantine due to the Coronavirus.   Most of us know that the number 40 is significant in the history of the bible.  Most scholars agree that the number 40 is indicative of times of judgement and testing in the bible.  In a short time of searching,  I was able to discover more than 20 incidents in the bible relative to the number 40.   Some of the more familiar examples are:  40 days and nights of rain in the time of Noah (Genesis 7:4), Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before moving on toward the promised land (Exodus 16:35), and Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness. (Matthew 4:2)

Let me encourage you to do your own study of the number “40” in the scriptures.   It will not only enlighten you, but will also increase your understanding of the truth that your story and my story are all part of a greater story, which is HIStory!  Also remember that in the scope of eternity, 40 days is not even a blink!!  2 Corinthians 4:17-18 says it like this; “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:  for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.  I feel a song coming on, sing with me…… 

My hope is built on nothing less,
Than Jesus blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus name.

On Christ, the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Presiding Elder Hoard is the pastor of Russell Chapel AME Zion Church, Rogersville, TN; the Presiding Elder of The Johnson City District, AME Zion East TN-VA Conference and serves on AHERN, Inc. Board of Directors as Vice-Chair of AHERN Hall of Legacy.