Significance of a Number

D-day was June 6^th, 1944. It was a significant day in US history.  Historically considered the beginning of the end of the war in Europe, its execution resulted in the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany’s control.

My dad explained this segment of WWII history to me as a young child and I held that knowledge in great esteem.

I felt extreme pride in those veterans and heroes who fought and died that day to liberate the oppressed and preserve freedom. I was partial to the stories because June 6^th happens to be my birthday.

I am proud to share my day with such a significant event in our country’s history. I am grateful for those soldiers and their bravery. And I always think of them around and on my birthday.

Last year, there was another number that I thought of in regards to my birthday on June 6.

It’s the number 33.

Luke 3:21-23 has Jesus baptized at the age of 30. His ministry then commences and he preaches, heals and explains His Father’s Kingdom for about 3 ½ years. Jesus dies after the Passover that took place in 33 CE as denoted in several verses in the Gospel of John.

Jesus Christ died at the age of 33. Jesus fulfilled His Father’s will perfectly in the span of His life. Everything He was meant to do, He did in 33 years. He obeyed God the Father perfectly and fulfilled His mission.

Today marks the end of my 33rd year since birth.  I know I’m not expected to have it all figured out by 33. But the milestone gives me pause for reflection.

My path at 33 has been different than Jesus’ path was. It is unique from every other person’s journey who ever lived or is yet is to be born. Each soul designed in the likeness of the Creator will travel its course until the time comes to meet God and see Jesus face to face. Many peoples’ lives will continue past 33 years unlike Jesus’ life on earth did. On June 6^th, I’ll be one of them.

But many people do not live to see their 33^rd birthdays. About 4,000 Allied troops are estimated to have died on June 6^th, 1944. I don’t have the counts in front of me but we know a lot of them had not celebrated their 33^rd birthdays.

Let’s choose today to make our numbered days a gift to God!

Jesus leads us by example on how to give our lives to God. He teaches us as one of us. He walks with us, prays with us, feeds us, soothes us and shows us the path to God the Father. We can strive to serve God and do His will each day anew because Jesus died at 33 on a cross on a hill in Calvary. Today, we stand up and remember what He did with His life for us and what He continues to do.