By Todd Stiles
I’m not known for my skills in math. In fact, if you know me beyond a “hi” or “bye,” you’re probably aware numbers aren’t my specialty. I love readin’ and writin’, but that whole ‘rithmetic thing? Well, let’s just say I must have been late to school on those weeks (perhaps years). Maybe this fear of facts and figures is why I’ve yet to preach through the Old Testament book of Numbers?!?
All kidding aside, I’ve simply never been very good in the various subjects that pertain to math. But there’s one set of numbers I can get my hands around—the numbers of the Passion Week. What do I mean? Take a look at this equation that begins with Palm Sunday.
5 days of preparation
+
1 day of crucifixion
+
3 days of death
+
1 day of resurrection
+
40 days of evidence
+
10 days of waiting
+
1 day of perpetual empowerment
=
One Glorious Savior!
This equation and vision leaves us with 1 mission: make disciples of all nations. And when the end comes and God has gathered his one family from every nation, language, tribe, and tongue around his throne, there we will hear, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain…” (Revelation 5:12) and there we will shout, “Salvation belongs to our God…and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:10) In one voice to one God for one Savior. Forever.
So go ahead. Do the math. It all adds up. In his one passion we find our one mission.
Todd Stiles is Lead Pastor of First Family Church in Ankeny.
