Pastor Manion began the “10’ series by stressing when God brought Israel out of slavery, he emphasized relationship before giving rules to guide them. In this relationship, command three is to not misuse his name.
Unfortunately, humans have a short memory for rules. So God instructed them 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…” Here is a beautiful example of how God loves and understands people. He knows we need reminders.
Jesus too gave visual faith reminders. Birds remind us to trust God (Matthew 6.26). Bread and wine remind us the price of salvation (1 Corinthians 11.23-25). Bedrock reminds us to build a solid faith (Matthew 7.24-28). Each of these things reminds us to trust and obey God. Our trust then becomes a visual testimony of God to others.
Like the blue tassel, visuals can be helpful reminders. Think today of an image that will remind you of command three, not to misuse God’s name. Similar to a visual is scripture memory. This week put to memory James 5.12, “Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.”
