The number 40 seems to play a significant and symbolic role in Scripture. One can read too much into numbers (viz. numerology) but in this case the number 40 seems to stand out large and wide and tall, leading us to consider the significance of the related themes and stories.

Forty, of course, is the attending theme of Lent in the Christian Calendar, as we consider and pray and prepare our hearts in a closer relationship with God, and in anticipation of the Holy Week that portrays the Preparation of Jesus, through Palm Sunday and a last Passover Meal, for the awe-full events of Maunday Thursday and Good Friday - and the awesome bursting forth (busting out) of Easter Sunday.

It's also a time to clear away the clutter of life, in our hearts as well as in our homes, making space for what really matters and getting rid of the junk and unused stuff we no longer need, if ever we did.

The movie below addresses the major '40' encounters of Scripture, but there are some minor ones as well to be shared - perhaps another time.