Words from the Weary Wilderness - Lenten Journey Day 21

posted on March 17

Day Twenty-One - Friday, March 25
 
Why We Must Have Fringes on our Garments
 
Read: Numbers 15:37-41
 
Fringes on Garments
 
³⁷ The Lord said to Moses: ³⁸ Speak to the Israelites, and tell them to make fringes on the corners of their garments throughout their generations and to put a blue cord on the fringe at each corner. ³⁹ You have the fringe so that, when you see it, you will remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and not follow the lust of your own heart and your own eyes. ⁴⁰ So you shall remember and do all my commandments, and you shall be holy to your God. ⁴¹ 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.
 
Today’s Word from the Weary Wilderness: Speak to the Israelites, and tell them to make fringes on the corners of their garments throughout their generations and to put a blue cord on the fringe at each corner. (Numbers 15:38)
 
Reflection: This is another ancient commandment that most of us ignore. We do not feel unfaithful about it. We just think it was not meant for us. I do have a few items of clothing with fringes or blue cords on them, but they do not seem overly theological to me. Similarly, I also have some cross necklaces and stoles that do visually remind me of my relationship with God and the Christian community. Why do you think that visual reminders of fidelity to God were needed in the wilderness?  Do you have any visual reminders that might help you to stay faithful when you face temptations in the desert of your own life? Do you consider yourself unfaithful if you do not obey these words from Numbers 15? Why or why not?
 
Prayer: God of the Wilderness, you laid out specific words of instruction for those who were on the ancient wilderness path. As we pray to you today, most of us pray without fringes and cords. But we trust you hear us, and you are with us. Amen.

Blessings of Peace and Health,
Bev
 
Rev. Beverly B. Coppley
District Superintendent
& Chief Missional Strategist