Reading through the Old Testament book of Numbers each year, the thought crosses my mind–why?  What’s the point?  Slogging through census records, rules and regulations, making and placing of Temple furniture.  You know what I mean.  But this is the Word of God.  In our Bibles for a reason.  I take no shortcuts, no speedreading or skipping pages and chapters.  I’m all ears, Lord!  Mostly, that is.

But I’m puzzled by the repetition.  The same commands and instructions.  Seems unnecessary, doesn’t it?  However, a teacher friend says that he must repeat information at least five times for it to sink in.  He’s got thick-headed students!  Five times?  I must be in his class!  You too?

The Lord knows we’re made of clay and dust.  Fragile stuff, which in His hands are created good, but in ours becomes brittle and broken.  Our hearing’s impaired.  Eyesight on the blink.  So He keeps on repeating, running it by us time and time again.

Studying Numbers 28 and 29, a light goes on in the old noodle.  From daily offerings, to weekly Sabbath worship and rest, to annual Passover and Pentecost and the Day of Atonement, to camping out during the Feast of Tabernacles.  Lots of celebration.  Plenty of good food to go around.  Work forbidden.  One Fast day.  One.  I’m beginning to get the point.

Worship bids us to love our God.  Praise and thanksgiving overflow.  It’s good times for God’s thankful people.  Over-and-over again, we’re to remember our Lord and all that He’s done for us.  And, by all means, relish Him!

Reminders.  Focus…off of ourselves…onto Him.  Where it should be.  But often isn’t.  Hence reminders.  Time to reflect.  Repent.  Renew our promises to Jesus.  He needs no such renewal or reminder.  We do.  I do.  Big time.

Reminders.  Hey, run that by me again!

Thank you, Jesus, for never giving up on me.  That’s a great reminder and a precious promise.  Amen.