out of the ordinary | the garments

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. For the next few days we will look at garments. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary through each of them. Amen.

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. Numbers 37-40, NIV

It’s hard to be sure what people in Jesus’ time wore - archaeologists rarely find clothes because they just don’t last in the way pottery and metals do, and Hebrews very rarely depicted humans in their art. As a Jewish man, however, Jesus would certainly have worn a large, four cornered garment most likely made of wool or cotton; a shawl known as a tallith. The Bible doesn’t command the wearing of this garment. It simply assumes most people would wear a covering over their clothes and it is to that common, everyday item the Lord instructs his people to add twined and knotted fringes known as tzitzit. The tzitzit were intended to remind God’s people of his commandments so they would follow them and be holy.

When we read of people touching the ‘hem’ of the garment Jesus wore they would probably have touched the tassels in an act of faith, remembrance, and hope. We can imagine ourselves doing the same. Embracing the truth of who God is, reminding ourselves of his ways and precepts, and committing ourselves to him again are things we can do every day. We don’t have tzitzits but we do have the morning we wake to, the Word, the breath in our body, the things around us that bring us joy. As an act of faith, find something to remind you of God’s instructions and his goodness today and feel your hope increase.

Let's pray
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. Strengthen me in my inner most being. Help me keep your instructions and your precepts ever before me. Help me be led by your Spirit and Heart. My hope is in you. In Jesus' name. Amen.