7
Blue Ribbons
Lesson 1) Introduction into this Series
This series is taken from the 15 chapter of book of Numbers and specifically from the descriptive words found
in the King James Version of the Bible. The entire chapter is extremely significant to men + women who
choose to live for GOD and please GOD in every way. The important teachings in this chapter then serve as
notices and reminders of what is expected of us by GOD.
In Numbers chapter 15, verses 1-16 the instructions are provided concerning the offering by fire unto the
Lord, the burnt offering, the sacrifice in performing a vow, the freewill offering and the solemn feasts.
These directions were given so that no one would present their offering or sacrifice unto the LORD by their
own thought or plan. If the offerings and if the sacrifices would be a sweet savour unto GOD; it must be
offered in every respect exactly how GOD had appointed. We will not be acceptable unto GOD in ways of our
own planning and formulating: from beginning to the end it must be, ‘not my will but thine be done’!
Then in verses 17-21 the instructions are given regarding GOD’S claim to that which is first. A heave offering of
the first dough was to be given to GOD. The people of GOD were not to eat their fill and consume all they
cared to consume then offer to GOD somewhat of the remainder but before they touched the bread of the
land a heave offering was first offered to GOD. When the requirement of GOD had been fully met, then and
not until then were they at liberty to satisfy their own needs and wants.
The next instructions are in verses 22-31 and pertained to errs (sin), either knowingly or without knowledge.
The will of GOD was revealed and ought to have been known: not to know GOD’S will was sinful; and not to do
GOD’S will was sinful as well. That sin could only be put away by the atoning sacrifice. GOD dealt in mercy and
in grace with the errors performed out of lack of knowledge and when the error became known; sacrifice was
immediately required. The opposite was true for those that despised (shunned) the WORD of GOD and with
knowledge did not obey (read verses 30 + 31).
The next 5 verses (32-36) serve as an example of the great cost of disobeying the commandments of the
LORD. This man was not, he could not be unaware and uninformed of GOD’S instruction concerning the
Sabbath day. This man’s actions were not necessary and therefore openly revealed his despising of GOD’S
instruction; he openly refused to obey the WORD of GOD.
This occasion, this incident introduced the fringes that were to be added to the borders of their garments
and the blue ribbons.
GOD would have HIS people wear ‘a badge’ throughout their generations. This ‘badge’ was the ribbon of blue
that they might look upon it and remember all the commandments of the LORD; and do them! This ‘badge’
was to be worn at all times that through their remembrance and their actions they would be holy unto the
LORD their GOD.
Holiness was so important to GOD that the Israelites word the ribbon of blue everywhere they went: think
about it, the farmer into the field, the merchant into the place of business, the maid-servant into the innermost part of the dwellings, the builder onto the construction site; all when performing their daily duties (from
the smallest details to the greatest responsibilities)! So it should be for the people of GOD today; GOD’S
people should manifest a heavenly spirit, temperament and attitude wherever they go. The countenances of
the people of GOD should bear witness to the glory of GOD whom they love and serve.
We are called to be witnesses for JESUS CHRIST therefore we should be manifestly (clearly) characterised by
the HOLY GHOST! The ribbon of blue not only reminded the person wearing it of their responsibility to GOD
but it identified them to others. The HOLY GHOST is not only our reminder but our identification in the world
today.
We are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world therefore we must be careful with every
choice we make, every action we take and our entire conversations (lifestyle)!
In this series, I will be providing relevant and practical behaviours, manners and approaches that will be our
‘ribbon of blue’; conducts that we can live by that will help us to be holy unto the LORD our GOD. My
recommendation is that your involvement be greater than just listening or taking notes but that you actively
set your mind upon GOD and upon HIS WORD (from the smallest detail to the greatest responsibility in your
life).