The Number Three
Three times. Three different visits. Three close calls. Three times my faith was tested. Three times God was faithful.
When humbled and faced with my own mortality, I was reminded that God never leaves or forsakes us. Though I was scared and feared death due to severe allergic reactions, God provided.
In the days following, I couldn’t get the number three off of my mind. God provided three different times, with each administration of the emergency epi-pen and subsequent emergency room visit.
I felt there was a significance or something God was trying to teach me. I couldn’t shake it. Because I felt the Spirit lead, I decided to do some research and check it out for myself.
According to Bible scholars and numerous commentary-searching, I found that the number three is mentioned in the Bible 467 times. Some of which are familiar and some not so much. As I spent time delving through Scripture, I made a list of what I found. There are many more, however, here’s what topped my list.
3 persons of God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20)
Ark of the Covenant contained 3 items - a Gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff, and tablets containing the 10 Commandments (Exodus 25:10-22; Hebrews 9:1-5)
Jonah sat in the belly of the whale for 3 days (Jonah 1:17)
Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness 3 separate times (Matthew 4:1-11)
Peter denied Jesus 3 times (Matthew 26:31-35; 69-75)
Jesus’ body laid in the grave for 3 days until he was resurrected (Matthew 27:57-28:10)
I don’t believe it was a coincidence that I’ve had this number close to my heart lately. I’ve been enamored just seeing all of God’s handiwork woven together. Reminders that God is indeed holding everything together.
I may not understand why the number three is mentioned so much, but I believe in the God who fashioned all of the words together. Thousands of years have passed since the first words were written in the Bible, but the meaning and significance are still true today.
I challenge you today to be open to God speaking to you and nudging you. It may seem weird but seek to understand and grow your faith. I realize that I may have another allergic reaction in the future that could throw off my fascination with the number three, but I am grateful for what I have learned this season. I don’t want to take Scripture for granted, it’s too important.
Jude 20-25 - NIV
20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
