Today is the twelfth day of January 2021, 12.1.21 (UK date, a symmetrical number, reads the same forward and back).
The number ‘twelve’ is very significant in the Bible and occurs from Genesis right through to Revelation (mentioned 22 times in the last book, but the number 144 and 144,000 which is 12 X 12 also occurs).
Jacob had twelve sons Genesis 25:23-26 and each one became a tribe in the nation of Israel. (Likewise Ishmael also had twelve sons, each one a Prince Genesis 17:20).
Jesus appointed twelve of His followers after spending the night in prayer on the mountainside. Luke 6:12, 13 He first delegated His authority to the Twelve to drive out evil spirits and heal sicknesses. Matthew 10:1
Peter told those gathered in the upper room that according to the Word of God, Psalm 109:8 they had to appoint another to take the place of Judas, the number of the twelve apostles had to be maintained.
In Revelation 21(this New Year, 12 reversed) right at the end of the Bible, we read about the New Jerusalem;
It had a great, high wall with 12 gates, and with 12 angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. The wall of the city had 12 foundations and on them were the names of the 12 apostles of the lamb. The 12 gates were 12 pearls, each gate made of a single pearl.
One of the main meanings of ‘Twelve’ is the Perfect Government of God. There have been times in my own life when I’ve seen God do things and thought that was perfect! Perfect timing and a perfect answer from a perfect God.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus and Peter struck the servant of the High Priest, cutting off his ear, Jesus healed him. But Jesus also said,
Do you think I cannot call on my father and he will at once put my disposal more than 12 legions of angels? Matthew 26:53
Jesus was in ‘perfect control’ in the Garden, but He chose to submit to His Father and not call upon the angels. He put Himself into the hands of treacherous men so that men could be rescued out of a lost eternity.
I believe today, the twelfth of January, that God is in control and that His plans and purposes will be worked out in these days, just as surely as they have been in past Bible’ times. Don’t lose faith, but stand still and see God’s victory in your own lives.
God bless and keep you today on this twelfth day of 2021.