This Saturday is my 30^th birthday. For the last 20 years or so, my birthday has never been a big deal to me and I don’t expect that to change this year. However, over the past few weeks I have been thinking about the biblical significance of age 30. Let me give you a few examples:

– Joseph was 30 years old when he became second in command to Pharaoh, after being in prison as a slave in Egypt (Genesis 41:46).

– The priests officially entered service at age 30 (Numbers 4:3).

– Saul became King when he was 30 years old (1 Samuel 13:1).

– David became King when he was 30 years old (2 Samuel 5:4).

– Ezekiel was called by God as a prophet at age 30 (Ezekiel 1:1).

– Jesus officially started his ministry at age 30 (Luke 3:23).

So is there a biblical significance to age 30? In short, yes and no. The second example (priestly ministry) offers the most compelling evidence in favor of saying yes. After having a 5-year internship (Numbers 8:24), the priests began a 20-year ministry, lasting from age 30 to 50 (Numbers 4:3). Jesus, our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) followed this pattern in order to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:13-15).

On the other hand, as we read through the Scriptures we see people of all ages being used of God. The fact is it doesn’t matter what age you are. If you have a heart to serve God, He will put you to work. Ten years ago, I never could have dreamed all that God had in store for my life. And as I look ahead to the next decade of my life, I can only imagine what God will do. How old are you? It really doesn’t matter – 20, 40, 60, 80? It all starts with having faith in Jesus Christ and trusting Him for salvation – after that, the possibilities are endless. God can and will use you for the glory of His great name.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21