We are considering God’s use of the number 40, usually days or years, as a time between two times; the time between two seasons.
In Luke 21 Jesus reveals how to navigate the between times. In the “Between Time”, we:
- Straighten up – with elated confidence and strength
- Look up – in rejoicing anticipation
Often, in the “Between Time” God gives assignments and promises for the next season.
Season Between Time Season
Israel in Egypt Deuteronomy 7:15 The promised land
Diseases of Egypt God’s promise No diseases of Egypt
When making God’s “between time” assignments and promises my priority, I serve and believe God with elated confidence and rejoicing anticipation.
We live in the between time of Jesus’ departure into heaven (Acts 1:9-11) and His return to earth (John 14:1-3, Hebrews 9:28).
The Christian’s primary assignment in the “between time” is commanded by Jesus in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
The Christian’s primary promise in the between time is promised by Jesus in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Jesus’ disciple, Andrew, is today’s exhibit A.
- Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist. John 1:35, 40
- Andrew was the first Christian networker. He consistently introduces Jesus to people and people to Jesus. John 6:8, 9
- Andrew, upon hearing John the Baptist say, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” follows Jesus and finds out where he lives and stays there for the day. John 1:39
- Andrew prioritized his family first. John 1:41
- Andrew clearly proclaimed, “We have found the Messiah.” John 1:41
- Andrew didn’t stop at proclaiming, “He brought his brother to Jesus.” John 1:42
Church history tells us more about Andrew
- Andrew’s “go into all the world” took him to modern day Turkey.
- He proclaimed the Good News all around the Black Sea.
Church history tells us more about Andrew
- Andrew’s “go into all the world” took him to modern day Turkey.
- He proclaimed the Good News all around the Black Sea.
- In Patras, a town in Greece, Andrew was condemned to death by crucifixion.
- To extend the torture and agony of crucifixion, they did not nail him to the cross, but tied him with ropes.
- The entire time Andrew hung between earth and heaven on the cross, he continued to proclaim the Good News to everyone nearby.
- There is, in my view, an 8/10 likelihood of the widespread historical report that Andrew, feeling unworthy to die the same death as Jesus, begged to die differently than Jesus and so they built and crucified him on a cross in the form of an X.
Andrew remained tied to the cross with thick tight ropes for three days and his last words are thought to be: “Accept me, O Christ Jesus, whom I saw, whom I love, and in whom I am; accept my spirit in peace in your eternal realm.”
Andrew’s life urges and beckons me to serve the great assignment and believe God’s promises while rejoicing in anticipation of God’s new season.
The Forty Holy Martyrs also leave us a humbling example of between time joyful anticipation while embracing God’s great assignment and promise.
Aglaius is the name of the Roman soldier who, upon seeing the death of the deserter and the light from heaven with 40 crowns, ran either onto the ice or into the freezing water and proclaimed, “I too am a Christian,” and he joined the martyrs. He the prayed, “Lord God, I believe in You, in Whom these soldiers believe. Add me to their number, and make me worthy to suffer with Your servants.”
Will the story of my life be one of total commitment to the Great Assignment?
Will the story of my life reveal complete trust in the promises of God?
Will the story of my life include being an Andrew (Introducing many to Jesus) whose life produces people like Aglaius (fully devout follower of Jesus)?
MCA Church LIFE Group Homework
Listen – My Story
- Since we are featuring the Holy Forty Martyrs who gave their lives for Jesus on the ice and icy waters of a lake, do you have a favorite outdoor winter experience?
- Will you tell a portion of the events that have led or are leading you to trust in Jesus for salvation?
Learn – Digging Deeper
- Kent’s message featured Deuteronomy 7:15. God promised, in Israel’s 40 year Between Time, “none of the diseases of Egypt. In the Christian’s next season (Heaven) there will be no disease (Revelation 21:4). How do you, personally, apply health verses to your life today?
- Proverbs 17:22
- Proverbs 14:30
- 1 Corinthians 6:18
- Andrew, Jesus’ first disciple, was crucified for his un-ending engagement in the Great Assignment and belief in the promise of God. Are you pursuing the promise of God and do you have un-ending engagement in the Great Assignment? Acts 1:8 and Mark 16:15
- We are asking God for MCA Church’s most effective evangelism in our history. In what ways might Philemon 6 help you in praying
Life – Taking it Home
- In response to this teaching, what action steps do you need to take this week?
- Will you continue to memorize Jesus’ Beatitudes? Matthew 5:2-12
- Will you commit, fully, to MCA’s next Andrew Army ministry, Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames?
Lift – Prayer
- Please pray for each person listed on your Operation Andrew and Agliaus list.
- Please pray for our folks who are in fasting and prayer during Lent.
- Please pray for God’s provision for the finances for Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames in Anchorage and Dillingham.