The Number 42

         There are several numbers that seem to have special meaning. Like no. 1,3,6,7,10,13,18,21 and others. For the sake of brevity this essay can only look at the mysterious no. 42. I am not into numerology, but I have noticed no. 42 comes up in my life in ways that cause me to ponder. Other folks also have noticed no. 42.

       One thinker said, “42 is the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything.” (The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy). That conclusion may be overvalued, but here are some other “views” on the number:
-   Rainbows aways emerge offset at an angle of 42* relative to the light source that creates them.
-   The number 10 can be mathematically partitioned in exactly 42 different ways.
-   42 is the largest number whose reciprocal, added with three other unique positive integers, sums to exactly 1.
-   42 is the value of an essential scientific constant that determines the age of the universe.
-   In the medical arena, donated blood lasts only 42 days. I personally wouldn’t want someone else’s blood even at 21 days old - not            even from a premium specimen like Joe Biden or Chuck Schumer. (Now that could be a tacky comment but see note # 62 “Waxing          Political”.)

          My own thoughts on the number 42:
-   My mother was 42 yrs. old when I was born.
-   When my daughter was born, I was 42 yrs. old.
-   Elvis died at 42 yrs. old.
-   My building career peaked in ’93 when I was 42 yrs. old.
-   My Gospel-note #42 deals with FREEDOM, which is fundamental to Americans & Christianity.

          Then as a Bible thumper/student since ’72 I see the number 42 in the Book from cover to cover:
-   Genesis 42 is where Joseph is revealed to his brothers who had sold him as a slave into Egypt. One of the most intense rags to                 riches (& poetic justice) stories EVER!
-   The book of Job which deals with the problem of suffering (from God’s perspective), has 42 very interesting chapters. See note #190
-   Psalm 119:42. Ps 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible containing history, & amazing truths & devotion for us to ponder. It’s almost           exactly at the center of the Book & verse 42 highlights the value of the Word.  
-   Isaiah 42:1-4 Gives a pre-incarnate name of Jesus Christ. “My Servant” is revealed along with His grace & dominion.
-   The Gospel of Luke (longest gospel) was written by a doctor & is the 42nd book of the Bible.
-   The longest chapter of Luke is Chap. 22. Verse 42 & ff. deals with the suffering servant, Jesus Christ. Now this is a POWERFUL              aspect of God’s NATURE. For the almighty Creator to REVEAL Himself this way should humble all of us. Here we are; proud & self-        sufficient, me-first, greedy, prone to “eat” others (link 29), and often denying the best source of TRUTH in the world – this kind of              creatures we are, especially us Americans. But God’s character, and His suffering in Christ is amazing to behold.
-  Then we have Acts (also written by Doctor Luke) chapter 10 where Peter is given a dynamic VISION dealing with the ROOTS of the          New Covenant GOSPEL where ALL are welcome w/God. Verse 42 identifies WHO will judge all Jews & Gentiles.
-   And of course, we see the Anti-Christ ruler of the end times having a 42-month reign. Revelation chapter 13.

         In a Gospel-note like this one, I’m not sure 42 is “the conclusion of the whole matter”, Ecclesiastes 12:13. But the number 42 does seem to have mystery around it. Here’s something that has NO mystery: Those who move towards the Biblical God in faith believing, will be Born Again & Blessed. And the thinker above who said, “42 is the answer . . .”, was full of bull. Jesus Christ is the answer – the number 42 only points to Him in various ways in the above text. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. John 14:6 Then after Jesus rose from the dead He said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20. Choose Jesus, He is Alive. And be Blessed in time and eternity. See also note #97 “Was Jesus God?”

Many other Titles: www.gospelnotes.org                                                                                                                          * * Fred J. Stone * * 
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