Did you know that in the Bible 30 is a significant number? It often symbolizes the beginning of a ministry and God's redemption. It is the age of maturity, a time that you are ripe for leadership. Here are a few examples of 30 being used that I found by searching the Bible at biblegateway.com:
•Jesus started His ministry at about the age of 30. (Luke 3:23)
• Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant when the angel came to Mary, so, John the Baptist was about 6 months older than Jesus. Since Jesus started his ministry at 30, John was probably right at 30 when he came out of the wilderness to prepare the way for Jesus. (Luke 1:36)
• Joseph was 30 years old when he became second in command to Pharaoh in Egypt. (Genesis 41:46)
•Priests did not enter into service until age 30 (Numbers 4:1-3)
• David became King over all of Israel at the age of 30 (2 Samuel 5:4)
•Ezekiel was 30 when the windows of heaven were thrown open and he saw visions of God and began his ministry as a prophet. (Ezekiel 1:1)
It's interesting to me that Joseph was so mistreated right up to the age of 30.
He was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused of rape and thrown into prison. There had to be days he was pretty discouraged and wondering where God was. His life had been confusing, hard. He was in prison one day and suddenly remembered by a fellow prisoner who commended him to Pharaoh. The next day Joseph is second in command in Egypt. Instant transformation!
David was anointed king by Samuel at a young age (some believe as young as 8 to 12 years old at his first anointing.) but spent a lot of years waiting to sit on the throne. He earned Saul's jealousy by simply trusting God. He faced Saul's rage while working in the king's service and finally had to run and live life as a fugitive before becoming king. He faced many hardships and trials before his coronation.
It is compelling that these men and others had such a big change in their lives at the age of 30. One minute discouraged, feeling beat down and wondering if anything good could come from their lives then suddenly, in an instant, God steps in with power and authority and completely changes their direction giving them favor, blessing, and power.
Today, my husband and I are celebrating our 30th anniversary. We've been through some tough times but many more incredible times in our journey as husband and wife. We've been richly blessed with five remarkable children and an awesome daughter-in-law. Together we have watched God work miracle after miracle in our lives. Yet, we've spent the last few months in a season of uncertainty wondering what will come next in our adventures. Today I was reminded of the importance of the number thirty. I don't know what things lay before us in our 30th year, but I'm convinced they will be incredible! I'm hoping for that instant transformation, looking for that role of leadership or change of direction. What will happen? Only God knows, but I can say with certainty that I'm blessed to be able to face this coming year with Mark! I love you, Mark Alan. Happy 30th!!!
•Jesus started His ministry at about the age of 30. (Luke 3:23)
• Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant when the angel came to Mary, so, John the Baptist was about 6 months older than Jesus. Since Jesus started his ministry at 30, John was probably right at 30 when he came out of the wilderness to prepare the way for Jesus. (Luke 1:36)
• Joseph was 30 years old when he became second in command to Pharaoh in Egypt. (Genesis 41:46)
•Priests did not enter into service until age 30 (Numbers 4:1-3)
• David became King over all of Israel at the age of 30 (2 Samuel 5:4)
•Ezekiel was 30 when the windows of heaven were thrown open and he saw visions of God and began his ministry as a prophet. (Ezekiel 1:1)
It's interesting to me that Joseph was so mistreated right up to the age of 30.
He was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused of rape and thrown into prison. There had to be days he was pretty discouraged and wondering where God was. His life had been confusing, hard. He was in prison one day and suddenly remembered by a fellow prisoner who commended him to Pharaoh. The next day Joseph is second in command in Egypt. Instant transformation!
David was anointed king by Samuel at a young age (some believe as young as 8 to 12 years old at his first anointing.) but spent a lot of years waiting to sit on the throne. He earned Saul's jealousy by simply trusting God. He faced Saul's rage while working in the king's service and finally had to run and live life as a fugitive before becoming king. He faced many hardships and trials before his coronation.
It is compelling that these men and others had such a big change in their lives at the age of 30. One minute discouraged, feeling beat down and wondering if anything good could come from their lives then suddenly, in an instant, God steps in with power and authority and completely changes their direction giving them favor, blessing, and power.
Today, my husband and I are celebrating our 30th anniversary. We've been through some tough times but many more incredible times in our journey as husband and wife. We've been richly blessed with five remarkable children and an awesome daughter-in-law. Together we have watched God work miracle after miracle in our lives. Yet, we've spent the last few months in a season of uncertainty wondering what will come next in our adventures. Today I was reminded of the importance of the number thirty. I don't know what things lay before us in our 30th year, but I'm convinced they will be incredible! I'm hoping for that instant transformation, looking for that role of leadership or change of direction. What will happen? Only God knows, but I can say with certainty that I'm blessed to be able to face this coming year with Mark! I love you, Mark Alan. Happy 30th!!!
