The Biblical Meaning of the Number 30: A Reflection on Keeping Our Promises

30 years ago this October, I traveled to Italy with my father when he was 46 and I was just shy of 16. This summer, being a few months shy of 46, I traveled back to Italy with my daughters (one of whom was 16) and rendezvoused with my father in the ancient city of Rome where millions of pilgrims travel every year to walk in the footsteps of saints. What a gift. Three generations of family sharing parallel experiences 30 years apart.

Trying to make sense of the biblical meaning of the number 30, I asked my trusty ol’ pal, Google, “what is the significance of the number 30?” Only, I didn’t realize I made a typo and wrote, “what is the significance of numbers 30?”

Numbers, plural… You might guess where this leads.

This is what the Lord commands: When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.

While chapter 30 in the Book of Numbers certainly isn’t my favorite part of the Bible (I have something to say about a woman’s autonomy), I can’t help but wonder if the Holy Spirit had something to do with my silly typo.

The binding power of one’s word - a vow, a promise…In my quest for meaning making I needn’t look farther than my own dear dad who taught me that I have nothing if I can’t keep my word and that promises should not be broken, even when breaking one would make life easier. Dad’s word is his badge of honor. He does what he says he’ll do, and he always has. Reminds me of someone else I know; perhaps you know Him too.

Joining, growing, and ultimately working with the community of St. Mark’s, I’ve made some promises, too. I promise to try being hospitable and warm to anyone who walks through our doors; I promise to share in your joys and hold you up in your struggles; I promise to help you recognize Christ in action as much and as best as I can by connecting you in our community through worship, service, study, and fellowship.

As I chip away at preparations for the Ministry Fair on Sunday, August 30 at 9:15 a.m. (there’s my shameless plug!), I think about all of you who’ve made promises: our clergy, Beth and Ann, Sacred Ground and EfM mentors, staff singers and choristers, Dominicans and seminarians, leaders of book clubs and affinity groups, Sunday school teachers and our outreach volunteers – you are the hands and feet of Jesus – doing His work and sharing His light with our community.

There is an offering for you at St. Mark’s, whether that’s the newly resurrected Gryphons biking club or the quiet service of writing letters to someone who needs encouragement. Call me and I’ll help you connect to what is right for you in this season. Better yet, join me at the Ministry Fair next Sunday, August 30. Oh look, there’s that number again!

One more promise from me. I promise you are loved and wanted here at St. Mark’s. I am grateful for all your promises for you are revealing the true Body of Christ, the One who made the ultimate promise.

Love,

Laura Sellitto Wickham