As I scanned my social media feed in the aftermath of a nearby and devastating flood, I came across a friend’s post. After realising her home would have to be gutted and rebuilt, my friend’s mum encouraged her to look for God even in the heart-wrenching work of cleaning up. My friend later posted pictures of Bible verses she uncovered on the exposed door frames of the home, apparently written at the time the home had been built. Reading the Scriptures on the wooden planks gave her comfort.
The tradition of writing Bible verses on doorframes may stem from God’s command to Israel. God instructed the Israelites to post His commands on doorframes as a way of remembering who He is. By writing the commandments on their hearts (Deuteronomy 6:6), teaching them to their children (v. 7), using symbols and other means to recall what God commands (v. 8) and placing the words on doorframes and entry ways (v. 9 ), the Israelites had constant reminders of God’s words. They were encouraged to never forget what He had said or their covenant with Him.
Displaying God’s words in our homes as well as planting their meaning in our hearts can help us to build a foundation that relies on His faithfulness as revealed in Scripture. And He can use those words to bring us comfort even in the midst of tragedy or heart-wrenching loss.
By Katara Patton
REFLECT & PRAY
When has Scripture comforted you the most? How are the truths of Scripture the foundation for your life?
Heavenly Father, thank You for Scripture that guides my path. Remind me to build my foundation on it.
The Jewish tradition of the mezuzah is a literal response to the instruction of Deuteronomy 6:9, which reads: “Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” The word mezuzah literally means “doorpost.” A mezuzah is a parchment scroll inscribed with verses from the Torah, rolled up, and inserted into an ornamental case or tube that’s attached to the doorpost of a Jewish home. The verses contained in that holder would include Deuteronomy 6:4–9 and 11:13–21 —texts that remind the Jewish people of their spiritual responsibilities towards God while declaring to the world that the residents are committed to living out the beliefs and practices of Judaism. Some mezuzahs are attached to the right-hand doorframe at a slant, a compromise between two ancient Jewish schools of thought regarding how the mezuzah was to be presented—an acknowledgement of the value of multiple perspectives in life.
Bill Crowder
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