This week’s daily readings:

This week’s devotional:

A Reminder to Do Right

by Sue Hersey

Scripture:

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: Throughout the generations to come you must make tassels for the hems of your clothing and attach them with a blue cord. When you see the tassels, you will remember and obey all the commands of the Lord instead of following your own desires and defiling yourselves, as you are prone to do. The tassels will help you remember that you must obey all my commands and be holy to your God.

— Numbers 15:37-40 (NLT)

Reflection:

If you’re following this Bible Reading Plan (or have read the Old Testament before), no doubt you have already learned a great deal about God’s commands. Moses recorded all the laws for God’s people within the first 5 books of the Bible (known as the Pentateuch or the Torah). You are most likely familiar with the 10 Commandments, but reading Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy gives us much more insight into how we’re expected to behave as God’s faithful followers.

Of course, some of the laws—like the one quoted above about sewing tassels onto the hem of our garments—seem to be impractical for the way we live now. However, if we strive to understand the purpose of laws like that, we just might be able to follow the spirit of the law. This guideline was intended to help people remember God’s commands and lead us into a holy, God-pleasing lifestyle. Think of it as a reminder to do right, just like speed limit signs are there to remind drivers to obey those laws. I’m sure there were times when the ancient Jews neglected to look at the tassels, just as we might not always take notice of the speed limit signs. Or maybe they did look at the tassels—or we did see the sign—and yet chose to ignore the reminder? That may explain why the Pharisees in Jesus’ day wore “robes with extra long tassels” (as described in Matthew 23:5) or why some roads these days have flashing signs that warn speeders to slow down. What will it take to remind you to do right?

Perhaps the tassels served as more than just a reminder of God’s instructions? Maybe they are a call to come closer to God, to become familiar with his word, knowing his promises and the good things he has in store for those who believe! Those tassels demonstrated God’s power in the story of the woman Jesus healed of bleeding when she simply “touched the fringe of his robe” (in Matthew 9:20). Bible stories like this one often have more meaning than we realize.

I think we could all use a reminder to do right when it comes to reading God’s word faithfully and getting to know him better. The reminder can be something different for each individual. Maybe MCC’s Weekly Update emails are enough to remind you to do that week’s readings? As for me, I’ve made reading part of my daily routine by strategically placing my Bible next to the pills I take each morning. Once I settle into my favorite chair with a cup of coffee, I can’t miss seeing the pill dispenser and my Bible waiting there for me. Even if I’m still half asleep, I have that reminder! Why not make it a natural part of your day to turn to God’s word and see what the Lord has to say to you?

Prayer:

Dear Lord in Heaven, you know we lead busy lives and have many choices for how we spend our time on earth. If we were to follow your desires, how much better would we know you, our God, by faithfully read your word?! Kindle that desire in us, Lord. Help us to remember to make that a priority and not be so apt to follow our own desires. Give us hearts to obey and the wisdom to seek you every day. Bless us with your word, Lord God, and help us to be holy like you, setting good examples for future generations as we share these blessings in Jesus’ name. Amen

Week 19: May 10-16, 2026 - A Reminder to Do Right

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