This chapter contains some more laws around sacrifices, as well as an accord of a Sabbath-breaker being executed (stoned for breaking God’s sacred commandment). That being said, we’ll look at the last few verses.
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Speak to the people of Israel, and tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a cord of blue on the tassel of each corner. And it shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord, to do them, not to follow after your own heart and your own eyes, which you are inclined to whore after. So you shall remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God: I am the Lord your God.’ ” (v37-41)
I like this concept – since God knows we are a broken people, so prone to sin and forgetfulness, He institutes a law for a visual reminder to help people keep the commandments in the forefronts of their minds.
Just think – every time you get dressed, or see another person, or look down at your own clothes, you would receive a visual reminder of the commandments. You could be reminded of God’s laws literally dozens of times each day – doesn’t that make it easier to obey and harder to forget God?
My challenge for us today is to build reminders into our lives – don’t worry, they don’t have to be tassels (which is good because they wouldn’t compliment my work clothes). These reminders could be as simple as post-it notes, a wall-hanging, an alarm on your phone (this one may become annoying though), knick-knacks, a calendar, a pinned tab in your browser, anything that you will see at least once per day that reminds you of God and His consistent love for us. Reminders come in all shapes and sizes and can be individualized for each of us (ie. what works for me may not work for you).
By building reminders (guideposts) into our lives we can bring our focus back to God on a more regular basis. By being present with God more regularly (He is always present with us, by the way) we are better anchored in order to face life’s troubles.
Father God, thank you for Your lovingkindness and steadfastness. Thank you for remaining by our sides, even when we wander away from Yours. Father please gently guide us back to You when we wander, using whatever individualized tools You suggest. We recognize the importance of staying anchored in Your presence, and praise You in advance for helping us to accomplish this. Jesus, please show us the way and be our strength each day. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training