Numbers

Learning to count is a feature of childhood. Using numbers seems to be how most of us have to live. 

And then there are statistics, which are organised numbers, which should help us understand life better.

It is said that politicians use statistics as a drunk person uses a lamppost, more support than illumination.

Nonetheless, when used wisely, numbers can be helpful.

For instance, it is now less than 2 months to Christmas Day. That fact may bring excitement to some, and horror to others.

There will be a large number of tasks which need to be done in most households associated with that festival.

And for many children, there is only one more day of school before the joys of Half Term.

Jesus taught with numbers on several occasions, often completely baffling his disciples in the process. 'When I fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterward?” “Twelve,” they said. “And when I fed the 4,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?” “Seven,” they said. “Don’t you understand yet?” he asked them. (Mark 8.19-21) 

While you puzzle over those numbers, you may be helped to know that many scholars see Jesus using numbers symbolically. Twelve represents the tribes of Israel - so Jesus has a mission to the Jews. But seven represents the non-Jewish world - the Gentiles - teaching us that Jesus also has a mission to all humanity.

When speaking of that mission, Jesus was aware of the normal seasons of the year. 'You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.” (John 4.35-38)

As a Church community, we are all involved, in one way or another in this harvest process - 'You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ 

Jesus reminded his first followers that there were people around them then who were ready to listen and respond to the Good News. The same is true in our day too. 

It is clear that God has been wonderfully at work in people's lives, over many weeks and months, and we are seeing, in one way or another, the fruits of that work.

Therefore, let us be encouraged, and pray that we will be faithful in caring for the harvest on our doorstep.

Best wishes,

Richard