Living on the Edge:
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy - Martin Luther King Jr.
If your true worth is to be assessed using your character as a yardstick; where do you stand? Who is going to measure it, how, by what standard? Your true character comes out in its starkness; frankness and fullness when you are on the edge.
Moses was a man living on the edge.
From Nile to Nebo; one day was never the same as the other. His life is signaled by conflict and controversy, rebellion and recrimination; doubt and despair; faith and hope. No sooner did he attain the age of reason; he was confronted with a series of life changing choices.
-to identify himself as one belonging to a tribe of bonded slaves or as an heir apparent to the throne of Egypt
-to ignore a fellow Hebrew being oppressed by an Egyptian or to take law into his own hands and terminate the tormentor
- To continue for the rest of his life as a non descript shepherd or a million slaves into a land of dreams
Every choice Moses made resulted in irrevocable changes in his life. And each choice was to become a building block of his character …... from Murderer (Exodus 2:12) to Meekest Man on Earth (Numbers 12:3). And through Moses, God was in effect building the character of a Nation, the Nation of Israel.
The Red Sea Crossing and the Mount Sinai Ascent were electrifying and empowering experiences. However, in equal measure, the Golden Calf incident proved devastating. To behold the blatant apostasy and sheer ingratitude of people who had witnessed the power of the Living God was more than Moses could bear. Israel had condemned itself without room for reprieve.
Broken hearted and hurting within, we see Moses taking a tent and pitching it afar from the camp (Ex 33). This tent comes to be known is the ‘Tent of Meeting with God’. Anyone wishing to spend time with God could go into this Tent and commune with Him. This Tent was to become the forerunner of the Tabernacle. Moses drained and devastated by the kaleidoscopic turn of events; seeks to draw spiritual strength from God and goes into this Tent, spending hallowed hours within its folds. Whenever he entered, God’s presence would descend on it as a pillar of cloud and remain while he was inside. In this sanctified communion, God would speak to Moses face to face even as a man would speak to his friend.
This Meeting Tent; apart from serving as a fore-runner of the Tabernacle; also becomes a model for every individual in the Israel Camp to have a private sanctuary. God made a simple provision by taking the shawl which every man used to drape over the body and turning it into a Tallit or Meeting Tent.
The Lord instructs the Israelites (Numbers 15:38) to attach tassels (known as tzizit) to the four corners of their garments. The word ‘tzizit’ means “fringe, hem, tassel, border, skirt, wing or edge of a garment”. This was made up of 4 strings, 3 white and 1 blue, doubled up to form 8 strands and tied into 5 knots. The 5 knots represent the Torah or Pentateuch and (5 + 8) = 13 represent the character of God outlined in Exodus 34. This tasseled shawl is now going to become something special and unique.
The Tallit meaning ‘Little Tent’ is now a provision where one can commune and meet with God. The 4 tassels on the 4 edges of the garment show no matter whichever direction a man turned, he could have a constant relationship with God; he was reminded of the Law and his responsibility to live in accordance with the law. When a child was circumcised; it was done holding the Tallit as canopy; when a man got married, he would put his arm around his wife so that she would come under the fold of his Tallit to show they are one. - When a man died, he would be buried with his Tallit draped over him and one of the tassels would be cut off symbolizing the end of his relationship.
The Tallit reminds man of his frailty and God’s strength:
“That you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of Adonai and do them; that you seek not after your own heart and eyes, after which you go astray; that you may remember and keep all my commandments and be holy unto your God.” God.–Numbers 15: 38-41
The Tallit has been compared to a string around one’s finger, a cue to remember something that remains to be done. Tallit has also been likened to a military uniform; an external sign of which side one you serve in the battle; an insignia proclaiming God’s subjects; a shield protecting its wearers from sin; the four corners of a Tallit are called “witnesses” because they observe and testify to the behavior of the wearer. Tallit has also been understood as a lash; its strings convey a sharp reminder of standards should one fall short of them.
Tallit achieves holiness both through what is done (donning the Tallit, praying, seeing, and remembering) and through what is not done (avoiding temptation, not “whoring” after one’s eyes—the literal meaning of the Hebrew—which lead one astray). The Tallit bears witness to its wearers’ aspirations and commitments.
Thus the Tallit- garment envelops a man physically and spiritually.
The edge defines the whole.
The I Edge:
Saul had explicit instructions to put to sword all the Amalekites, their king and their cattle. Saul disobeyed by sparing the life of King Agag and preserving the best of sheep and cattle.
By doing so, he not only disobeys but defies God.
Samuel rebukes Saul: “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). God has no delight for any substitute to simple and humble obedience. Human wisdom cannot take the place of divine revelation. Since you have rejected the Lord’s command; he has rejected you from being the king of Israel.
Saul’s life is now pushed to the edge.
Not willing to accept the loss of his identity he seizes the edge of Samuel’s garment tearing off the tassel of his Tallit.
By doing so, Saul unwittingly confirms the prophecy of Samuel to bear on his life. Samuel turns around and thunders: “Even as you ripped off my garment; your kingdom will be ripped off from your hand”.
By tearing off the edge of Samuel’s Tallit; Saul ends up tearing off the SOVEREIGNITY OF GOD. The torn tassel is a silent testimony that his kingship has been torn from his grasp.
The II Edge:
David, fleeing from Saul for his life seeks hides in a cave in Engedi. He is accompanied by a band of 600 faithful followers. They are not men of repute or standing; but the riff-raff; the vagabonds; the dregs of society – not easy to manage, not easy to please. But these are men who are fiercely loyal, ready to give their lives for him. And as fate would destine; Saul, in pursuit of David, along with his army chances to enter into the very same came David is hiding to take a break. Saul’s men wait outside while Saul tarries within.
A hard to believe opportunity presents itself.
David’s men urge him to finish off Saul bringing an end to their travails.
It is not easy to speculate what kind of thoughts and emotions would have crossed David’s mind. Perhaps God had arranged this opportunity for him to rid himself of Saul and finally be king? Saul, despite his bombast and power is now powerless before him.
You can imagine David standing behind a vulnerable and unsuspecting Saul with his sword outstretched for that fateful stroke that will usher a new beginning in his life.
David is a man on the edge.
David’s men urge him to finish the task.
David swings his sword.
The men watch with bated breath; expecting Saul’s severed to roll down to the mouth of the cave.
But David’s sword is not aimed at the head of Saul; but at the tail of his cloak. David slashes off the edge of Saul’s garment.
David’s men are at a loss. This is not what they wanted or expected. In that flash of the moment; David is also overwhelmed by an inexplicable feeling. The voice of his conscience has taken over. He realizes that he has sinned; and sinned greatly. He rebukes his comrades and prevents them from harming Saul.
When David cut off the edge of Saul’s garment, he has cut off the “tzizit” or tassel, 1 Sam. 24:1-22.
When Samuel anointed Saul as king; the anointing oil flowed over Saul’s head over his face and onto his garment down to the tassels. Saul’s garment was symbolic of Authority given to him by God to reign as king. David suddenly realizes that cutting off the edge of Saul’s garment was no trivial act; it is neither an act of compassion or condescension. By this act, he has challenged God’s Authority.
As Saul leaves the cave, unaware of what has happened, David cries out: “Behold, this day your eyes have seen that the Lord had given you today into my hand in the cave, and some said to kill you, but my eye had pity on you; and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.’” (1 Samuel 24:10)
David’s words acknowledge that his act, more than a misdeed is a sin. A sin against God; not against Saul. David openly confesses his sin and pleads forgiveness. It is a message to Saul; but a much more powerful message to his men. David recognizes and honors the Authority of God and he is willing to wait and allow God to fulfill His promise to him in His Time in His Way, rather than taking things into his own hands.
The III Edge:
Joseph is a man living on the edge.
Sold as a slave by his own brethren; he has now risen to become the head of Potiphar’s House. He has been entrusted with the complete responsibility and authority over the household. Things could not have been better. But without warning; calamity strikes. Potiphar’s wife overcome by her lustful desire seeks to have an illicit relationship with him. His rebuttal only instigates her to pressurize him further. One day when no one is around, she seizes the edge of his garment to bring him within grasp. Compromising his morals and integrity would have ensured his safety and security as well as the assured favor of the lady of the house. Refusing her could open up a host of accusations, punishment and even death. Joseph is faced with a split second life defining choice.
Joseph abandons his garment and flees.
Joseph’s abandoned garment teaches that Purity cannot be compromised by sensuality. You cannot desecrate the sanctified space of the Tent God has placed over you.
The IV Edge:
Ruth is a woman living on the edge.
A Moabitess by birth married to a Jew and widowed at an early age; in abject poverty has no future. Although Naomi, her mother-in-law urges her to leave him in quest of a new life; Ruth is not willing to forsake her. We see at every stage, whenever confronted by a choice, Ruth always chooses the better part. Certainly not advantageous or desirable from a worldly perspective, but pleasing in God’s sight. She remains loyal to Naomi and to the living God she worships along with her. Naomi, accompanied by Ruth, decides to go return to her native Bethlehem in search of food.
Ruth is not only loyal to Naomi but faithful and obedient. At Naomi’s bidding she goes to glean grain from the fields of Boaz, a kinsman of the family. Boaz also learns of their plight and is considerate. One night, acting upon Naomi’s directions Ruth comes to the threshing floor where Boaz is sleeping. She lies down at his feet and moves the edge of his garment to uncover his feet. When Boaz wakes up in the middle of the night; he is taken aback to find Ruth lying at his feet.
Ruth pleads with Boaz: Spread the edge of your garment over your handmaid. It is a request to Boaz to accept her as his wife. It is a cry of mercy for redemption. To redeem her; her dead husband’s name and the family. Boaz’ heart is moved. He is an upright and righteous man. He recognizes a poignant element in the character of Ruth – Vulnerability. Her weaknesses and her dependence. Her humility to acknowledge her condition and honesty to seek support.
Jehovah, who shall abide in Thy tent? Who shall dwell in the mountain of Thy holiness? He that walketh upright, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart (Ps. 15:1, 2),
By drawing Boaz’s garment (Tent) towards her, Ruth demonstrates her Vulnerability and her cry to God for His Providential Protection. She looks to God; through Boaz; for Security.
Thus, the four edges of the Tallit teach us about God’s Sovereignty; God’s Authority, God’s Purity and God’s Security.
We too are people living on the edge. When things around us seem hopeless or meaningless; we can enter into the Meeting Tent with God; hold on Him; you recognize His Sovereignty and are assured that He is Lord of All. All that happens in your life is by His Appointment. He holds everything in His Hands.
When you enter into His Tent; God reconfirms His Power in your life. You are reminded of His Authority He who can calm the Storm; Drown the Devil; Make the lame leap, the blind see is in you and works through you. In His Name, all things are made possible.
Whenever you enter the Tent; you are reminded of the Purity of God. The need for your separatedness from the world. To preserve and protect yourself from its stains. To honor and glorify God by renewing your mind; sanctifying your body and surrendering your spirit to Him.
As you draw on to the last edge of the Tallit; you acknowledge your vulnerability and your total dependence on God for your Security. He will cover you under the shadow of His Wings. Like David, you can walk through the valley of shadow of death and fear no evil. He makes you a fortified city; an iron pillar; a bronze wall and none can stand against you.
Moses, David, Saul, Joseph, Ruth, men and women of God have all faced choices. Life threatening, changing choices. And it is in these critical choices, when on the edge, one’s character is revealed, and shaped. Character; represents the sum total of the choices you make in your life. When choices are made recognizing God’s Sovereignty, Authority, Purity and Security in your life, then is your life truly hidden in Christ. Christian Character is built through the Christ-like choices you make day in and day out. When Jesus died on the Cross, His garment was taken away from him and gambled away. But he has given us a more precious garment. A covering of righteousness; the skin covering with which He clothed Adam and Eve; through His Blood and Sacrifice.
Today, your Meeting Tent is your time of fellowship and communion with God. When you come to Him in prayerful and faithful, God’s presence, power and protection will overshadow you. Even as the cloud descended upon the Tent whenever Moses entered; you too will be filled by the Holy Spirit and equipped and empowered to fulfill God’s will and purpose in your life.
God Bless and Amen.
Sam Chandar
