6.18.25 ~ Don't Leave Home Without It

Good morning!

"Don't leave home without it" advertised the American Express Card. In my early days as a believer, it was "Don't leave home without my Bible." Today, it's "Don't leave home without your cell phone".  Or, as my mom, of blessed memory, would say, "Don't leave home without clean underwear...Just in case you get in an accident."

Today, on this 18th day of counting towards the first fruit of the wine, I won't leave home without my gifted bible, my cell phone and clean underwear :-) On top of these non-negotiable essentials, every morning before I head out the door I put on a certain piece of clothing. I've been doing it for years and though some consider it an optional piece of clothing, for me it's essential. The question that many have asked me over the years is, "Why would you wear those threads"?

 In order to give a 'colorful' answer, I share with them the story of Numbers 13 and 14, where, at the people's request (Deut. 1:22), Moses sent in 12 spies to bring back a 'tourist' report on the magnificence of the Promised Land (Num. 13:17). After the 40 day vacation traveling up and down the Land, the 'spies/letur (tourists)', brought back an incredibly true report about the Land...amazing fruit (Num. 13:26), a Land that flows with milk and honey (Num. 13:27), giants/nephilim, walled cities, and a bunch of bad hombres (Num. 13:28)...all true. However, and unfortunately, with one decision, out of fear, they refused to move forward towards their ultimate goal and the very reason they applied the blood of the Lamb (Deut 6:23-25). Under the influence of the majority, to do evil (Ex. 23:2), they forfeited their right to inherit the Land promised to their Fathers (Num. 34). 

It's after this event, following their own lusts and disobedience to God's command, that God introduces and strongly encourages the Israelite to wear a specific garment each and every day (Num. 15:38-41). Why would He introduce this now? So, we, like the 1st generation in the wilderness, won't fall short of our High Calling; the inheritance (Phil. 3:14; Heb. 3:1; Eph. 1:18). Besides, God knows how easily distracted we can be!

Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes 
in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, 
and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue/tekhelet:
And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: 
That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.
I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God.
(Num. 15:38-41)

30 years ago the Chillazon snail, from which Tekhelet/blue is removed to make this colored thread of the Tzitzit/fringes, was rediscovered. The purpose is to fulfill the commandment to make the tzitzit that is worn on the corners of Torah observant believers, which includes both boys and girls. In this week's Torah portion, shelach lecha/send out for yourselves, the instruction is given to wear these on the corners, or fringes, of your garment/beged (Num. 15;38,39).

Now we have a glimpse into the reason and timing of the commandment. But, for those of us pressing towards the Fall Feast season, what does this have to do with counting towards the first fruit of the wine?

For the past 17 days, now 18, we have focused on abiding in the vine by allowing the Word to actively work in us to bring forth lasting fruit (John 15:1-7). In this week's Torah portion we will examine the connection between the two in detail and what it looks like in the 21st century.

The Scripture lays out for us 3 distinct features of wearing tzitzit (Num. 15:38,39). 
1. You shall see them...To see is to open your eyes and observe
2. You will remember all the commandments of God...To remember is to internalize, reflect and prepare for the right moment to act 
3. You shall keep them...the action

Ironically, but not surprisingly, there's a linguistic connection between the spies at the beginning of our Torah portion  (Num. 13:17) and the Tzitzit at the end of the Torah portion (Num. 15:38)...it's the word latur/tourist; a person who comes to look, see, even experience, but only as a spectator. A tourist observes, but doesn't act. He doesn't have a deep connection to the place. He feels no need to change or improve it. He has no investment in its future, its mission or its destiny. 

One interpretation of the spies is that they were merely tourists/latur. They were satisfied with the status quo. Happy to live in the desert where their food, shelter and clothes were provided by God. As such they came to the Promised Land of their inheritance with no commitment or investment and no desire to participate or build for themselves and future generations. 

Wearing Tzitzit is not enough. Meditating on the word is not enough. The strings hanging from your garment testify to how you want people to view you; as well as how you perceive yourself. Clothes in Scripture are representative of an individual's character. and they take us back in time to the Garden of Eden where man was clothed with a garment; first as a response to eating the fruit and second through the skins/or given to them by their loving Creator.  

The Tekhelet hangs  down at the very edge of the garment, reminding us that we must, sometimes, leave our comfort zone to go beyond the constraints others have defined, and those that we have imposed upon ourselves.  Consistent action in alignment with the Word will lead to fruit in due time. Obedient action leads to holiness (Rom. 6:19-22). Holiness and fruit bearing aren't about wearing tzitzit or being connected to the vine, they are about an abiding action from day to day. We have to leave the spectator stands and get in the game. Caution and fear of change must be overcome. Positive action must be taken for us to fulfill our mission; to be a holy nation (Ex. 19:5-6; 1 Pet. 2:9) that brings forth fruit worthy of the Kingdom (Matt. 21:43).

Happy 18th day of counting towards the first fruit of the wine.

Shalom!
Alan

BTW: If you want to know a fantastic place to get personalized Tzitzit, check out, Holy Fringes, handmade Tzitziot by Dana!  Shalom

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