In April, 1929, the Cleveland Indians became the first Major League Baseball team to play with numbers on the back of their jerseys.  This made it easier for scorekeepers, broadcaster, and fans to identify the individual players.  In association football, the first record of numbered jerseys dates back to 1911, with Australian teams Sydney Leichardt and HMS Powerful being the first to use squad numbers on their backs.

        “Words from Above” in the Word of God emphasize numbers in several different and important ways, but not always to identify individuals.  A very necessary key to understanding the Bible and its design is through meanings of Biblical numbers.  The connections between numbers and patterns of numbers are very closely related to the handiwork of God, and do not exist by chance but by design.  Biblical patterns do not exist by chance, but by God’s design, proving that God inspired the Bible through the Holy Spirit.

        The number 12 is mentioned often in the New Testament, usually associated with Jesus selecting 12 disciples or apostles.  Each apostle was representative of the 12 tribes of Israel, which were associated with the 12 sons of Jacob, whose name God changed to Israel.   Several three-digit numbers are found in the Bible, like 777, which represents the threefold perfection of the Holy Trinity.  The number 888 represents Jesus, normally called Christ the Redeemer, whereas the number 666 represents the number of the beast associated with the devil.

        The number 333 is an angel number associated with setting plans into action and is connected with optimism, creativity, and nutrition. It also encourages the use of personal strength to guide ourselves, and is connected with optimism, creativity, and intuition.  The number 444 tells us that our connection with the angels is powerful and that we can trust the guidance they give us.  It is also a sign of love and wholeness, representing a deep love for someone or something.

        555 is usually seen as a symbol of positive change and new beginnings, as well as a message of encouragement and support from angels.  Finally, it serves as a reminder to trust in our journey of faith, and to know that we are being guided and supported on our path.   222 is associated with a time of reflection that focuses on situations that can have double meanings.

        The apostle Peter once asked Jesus how many times it was necessary to forgive others, suggesting that seven times seemed quite sufficient.  Jesus answered by saying seventy times seven, indicating that there is really no limit to how many times we forgive one another.  Finally, seven is the number related to perfection, or being ready and complete.

Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For informa-tion, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.