Numbers 15 The Lord had just sent Israel back into the wilderness to drift through the next 40 years until those who had failed to trust Him for the land He promised, had all died. Now, He reminds them that He will give them the land and they will need to follow His commands now, in the wilderness, and later when they enter the land. 

The Lord commands them to bring special offerings when they enter the land. It's going to happen and when it does.. they are going to worship Him.  He assures them that He is still with them all the way.

The Lord also commands that the "alien who sojourns" with them should be treated the same as every Israelite. "There is to be one law and one ordinance for you and for the alien who sojourns with you." 

Then the Lord gives directions for those who unintentionally sin or fail to observe His commandments.  He also gives directions for those who intentionally and defiantly do anything that blasphemes the Lord. One who sins unintentionally can find pardon and atonement. One who is defiantly sinning would be "cut off".  

It didn't take long for an example to be made.. "they found a man gathering wood on the sabbath day.. " This man was sentenced immediately to be stoned and the people obeyed. 

The Lord gave one more command.. He wanted them to sew blue tassels to the corners of their garments.. these were to remind them to obey the commandments and "be holy to your God".  The tassels were supposed to  help them to constantly remember the commandments.. "so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you played the harlot." 

"I am the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt to be your God, I am the Lord your God." 

So... what is it that the Lord, our Shepherd, is saying to us today?  First, I hear Him say.. set Your eyes on what is ahead.  Israel was in the wilderness.. but they would enter the promised land.. so  they could look forward to that and be prepared.  We look forward to the coming of Christ.  Peter wrote, "But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved since you look for these things, be diligent to be found in Him in peace, spotless and blameless." (II Peter 3:13-14)  

Secondly, the Lord is telling us to treat everyone the same.. we should not use one standard for some people and another standard for everyone else. We are all beholden to the same God and He shows NO partiality. 

Thirdly, the Lord had shown us that we all fail.. none of us is perfect and even if we don't intend to sin.. sometimes we just do.  But.. He is good and He is always ready to forgive!  That does not mean that if we turn away from Him and rebel or "despise His word".. that He will automatically wipe away that sin. Only true repentance can bring us into fellowship with our God. He is the Lord!

Finally, I see that the Lord wants us to walk with Him continually.  He calls us to a life of constant fellowship. He wants us to remember Him and walk in obedience to Him.  We don't have blue tassels for our garments.. but we have the Holy Spirit who dwells in us and will keep us in His will if we keep our eyes on Him. 

Father, help us to be faithful in all things.  We are weak.. but You are strong. You are faithful, even when we are not.  You are good and willing to forgive and we are so filled with gratitude for Your mercies that are made new every morning.  Fill us Spirit of God and guide our thoughts, our words, and our deeds.  Keep our eyes on Jesus.. as we look towards the finish line.. fill us with hope and peace and make us spotless and blameless in Your sight we pray. In Christ Jesus we come. amen.