Numbers are significant symbols and communication tools in the Bible. It’s not “lucky numbers” we’re talking about, but “story-telling numbers.” There are big stories to tell with numbers 3, 4, 7, 12 and 40. But, perhaps, the most celebrative story is wrapped up in 50.
Fifty is 7 times 7, plus one. Seven is God’s story of Sabbath, the fullness of his blessing in our world and all creation responding with worship. Seven Sabbaths, plus one is God’s Jubilee. It’s the story of sins forgiven, debts cancelled, slaves freed. In a word: Resurrection.
Fifty days from Passover was the Pentecost harvest festival. Since the resurrection of Jesus, Pentecost marks time by the resurrection story. It has become the new Jubilee story of God’s great harvest of salvation. It’s why Christians celebrate not just one, but 7 Easter Sundays to tell the story of Jubilee. The resurrection sets us free from sin and death; and Jesus’ appearing SENDS us out to be his great harvesters of Jubilee.
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“Peace be with you!” Jesus said on that first Easter Sabbath, “as the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21). When I announced accepting a call to Webster Grove two weeks ago, I hadn’t set a date for my last Sunday; but I did talk our faithfulness to the mission and God’s call for you to “send” me through that mission. Celebrating the Great 50 Days of Easter sounds like the perfect Jubilee story for us to write together as you prepare to send me.
On Easter Sunday, St. John's shared FIVE challenges in portions of 50. To read what St. John's 50 Days of Easter challenge please visit us at www.SJLagrange.com
