The number 3 appears quite often in the Bible. Consider these examples:

Genesis 6: 10 - The human race re-established after the flood through the 3
sons of Noah

Joshua 1: 11 – 3 Days for the Israelites to prepare to cross the Jordan river.

Jonah 1: 17 – Jonah inside the big fish for 3 days and nights.

Acts 10: 39 + 40 - Jesus raised from the dead after 3 days.

In the Bible, 3 is the number of unity and accomplishment. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the fourth example above, Jesus’ resurrection from the dead 3 days after his death on the cross. It is the greatest accomplishment of all, the completion of his victory over death to show God’s power over evil, and his love and forgiveness for us. In fact, Jesus is quoted 8 times in reference to his prediction that he would rise from the grave 3 days after being dead.

We can also see this completeness in the 3 ways that God reveals himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Christian faith calls it the Trinity. It is the complete way that God cares for us as Creator, Savior and Provider.

There seems to be strength in 3’s as well. Go back to part of our reading from yesterday, Ecclesiastes 4 v. 12. I understand that ropes made with a 3 cord pattern of weave are very strong and do not break easily. This verse is saying that you, a friend and God together form a very strong rope of hope and support that won’t break. It is complete. There is strength in dealing with sin and temptation with this “3 strand rope”.

So even when you see things together in groups of threes, like 3 bands at a show, or a show for 3 bucks, or only 3 more days ‘til I turn 18 and can get a tattoo without my parent’s permission, think of the accomplishment of God through forgiveness and salvation in your life that he did 3 days after his death on the cross.

Lord, thank you for accomplishing what I cannot complete:
my forgiveness, my salvation, my eternal life.
- Richard M.