Threads of Blue

From sticky notes on our refrigerators to warning labels on our medicines we are bombarded with reminders and instructions… signs which whisper “caution” or shout “don’t you dare forget!” While living daily on the edge never “knowing”  what lies around the corner we have come to rest and even rely upon those familiar guideposts to keep us in line, on time …doing it “right”. Somehow, perhaps, there is a hidden comfort in following a daily schedule which reminds us to stay on task. How much more should it be in the things of the LORD!As believers, we are admonished in God’s Word to remain on track, keep focused and not lose sight of the goal. In one way or another all of God’s people have been given reminders and signposts to stay the course. In the Hebrew Scriptures in Numbers 15:38-41, the LORD told Moses  "Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined, and that you may remember and do all My commandments, and be holy for 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." In essence they made tassels, or fringes upon their clothing to remind them to be holy... wholly set apart for Him. The thread of blue (reminding them of Heaven) set in the midst of the beige or white tassels or fringes (reminding them of God’s Laws) sewn upon their garments was a “heavenly sticky note”… a warning label which cried out “Keep your mind on things above!” “Guard your heart!”  “Walk the narrow way!” As New Testament believers we have been redeemed from the Egypt of sin through the blood of Jesus Christ. Though we have His mighty resurrection power working within us, it is easy to stray on our journey upward.  Through the pages of God's Word we "see" our continual high calling to holiness. Whether we wear tassels with a blue thread, or “religious” jewelry or post Bible verses in our cars or homes, we must remind ourselves that we belong to The King!  Consider 1 Peter 2:9-10:”But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” We are His chosen special treasure!   Beloved of God, He is the Vine, we are the branches. Whatever it takes we must stay the course. Keep the faith. Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Never lose sight of His Face. Remember. Remember. Remember. There is coming a glorious day.....Oh, to meet Him at the finish line!