As I was leaving the other day, I realized that my cell phone had been left in the house. Even though I was in a hurry, I pulled back into the driveway, ran into the house and retrieved my cell before I went on my way.
As I headed back to the car, a thought came to mind; “What if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?” How would our lives and attitudes be changed if we were as eager to check God’s message as we are to check messages from our friends?
The Jewish people were instructed to wear small boxes containing scripture tied to their foreheads or arms. The boxes were tediously hand made following strict laws for size, materials and the construction process.
Inside were hand written verses from the Talmud reminding the people that God had delivered them out of bondage. The people were to wear these phylacteries as a constant reminder of God’s presence in their everyday lives.
Today, living under grace through Christ, there are no laws instructing us to strap scriptures to our foreheads. The blood covenant, through Christ, has eliminated the demand to follow the law to the letter. But the need to never be without God’s Word continues. God’s Word has direction for my life, encouragement for the moment and comfort when I’m hurt.
Let us hide God’s word in our heart (Psalms 119:11), talk about it when we sit down at home together; think about it when we are alone. The principals of the ancient law make sense. Jesus’ atoning death allows me to make holding God’s Word close in my heart and mind— my CHOICE.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children.
Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Prayer: Father, help me to be constantly aware of your direction for my life. Forgive me when I go my own way and please send your Spirit to convict my heart. I love you and want to live my life in Christ. Amen.
Scripture reference:
Psalm 119:11(NIV) I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.