Dear church,

The tassels weren’t for magical purposes. They were reminders – “for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord.” Blue was a mark of the priesthood and the holy things of God (Exodus 28:31; Numbers 4:6). The Israelites were to remember, among other things, God had made them into a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6). “Be holy to your God.”

They were no ordinary people. They were members of the kingdom of God. 

Humans are a forgetful people. This is why we make so many mistakes. We forget who we are and what we are supposed to be doing because of who we are. A cross hanging around your neck or a Bible verse on the wall ought to be examined from time to time – so that we remember and don’t forget. We have been bought with a price. 

The people of Israel were a noticeable group because of the way they ate and worshipped and spent each seventh day – and, yes, because of the tassels, too. Our lives ought to be noticeable as well. Our minds are different because of Jesus Christ. They are renewed (Romans 12:1-2). The Holy Spirit serves to help us recall our identity as children of the King and as brothers and sisters to each other. 

The Holy Spirit does the work that tassels never could (John 14:26).

Chris