Tassels Shmassels?

Reading Numbers, and skimming the other books of the law, the easy response is to smile in a smug sort of way, and be glad that we don't have to follow all of these rules.

However in your reading of the law books, a good thing to look at is the reason, purpose or result of the law in question. Numbers 15 has this to say about tassels on your clothing:

The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God.’”

So when I saw this reason for making tassels for clothes, it reminded me of people wearing jewellery, Christian hoodies and those WWJD bracelets...something to remember God...perhaps we haven't moved on that far after all.

The other things you'll find in the law books is festivals - and lots of them.
When we read of these, for example in Exodus 23, it's easy to look at all the regulations and be thankful we don't have these - but stop to think of all the things we do every Easter and Christmas, and indeed the things non-Christians do at Christmas, Halloween etc., and it becomes obvious we haven't moved on.
As Christians, we remind ourselves of the awesomeness of God, and his great love for us, through the 'ritual' of the celebrations.

Before you say 'yes, but we aren't that legalistic!', imagine your reaction if your parents decide to ignore the 'rules' at Christmas, and not buy a tree and presents, and on December 25th make you tidy your room and clean the bathroom...

I'll leave you with that pleasant thought.