Scripture: “Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.” – (6:21)
Observation: Phylacteries are small boxlike cases containing certain portions of the Torah. Jewish men wear them on their foreheads or arms as a reminder of God and to keep His laws (Deuteronomy 6:8, 11:18). Proverbs 6:20 reminds the reader to keep the godly commandments and laws passed on by the parents, and today’s verse gives the location to keep these teachings.
Application: Unlike the phylacteries, the heart and neck are indicated to be where the Word of God should be stored. The Scriptures are not just an ornamentation, but a necessity of life as vital as breathing itself. Jesus states, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). They are not restrictive in nature, but rather, they are liberating! Not burdensome, not out-of-date, not irrelevant. The Bible is God’s love letter to us, and it is as essential to our lives today as when it was first penned.
The Inward Challenge:
We are instructed to hide God’s Word in our heart to for a myriad of purposes. 2 Timothy 3:15-16 explains the work that the Scriptures perform in our lives. “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” As I study the Bible, the Holy Spirit helps me apply it to my life, as Titus states, “… denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” (2:12). The Word of God works to change me and make me more like Jesus, which in turn, gives me a biblical worldview that leads to a life rich with God’s blessings and His assurance of an eternity with Him in heaven! WOW!
The Outward Challenge:
Wearing the Scriptures around my neck doesn’t mean I should wear a huge pendant filled with verses, but the symbolism is that, like a beautiful piece of jewelry, living for Jesus should be seen clearly in me by others. This means that the influence of God’s Word in my life should be visible to the world. When people look at me, I hope to give them glimpses of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. My testimony for Him is what others see of Him in me, and that is His Word “tied about my neck”. Matthew 5:16 records the words of Jesus, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” James 2:17 reminds us, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” In order to impact others for Christ, I must “wear” the Word around my neck, which is manifest through my words and actions. True change is inward, but once that begins, it is then reflected outwardly and is an ongoing process as God continues His good work in us (Philippians 1:6).
Prayer: O Heavenly Father, what a wonderful thing to know that Your work continues in me! You didn’t just save me to let me be, but You saved me to learn more about You, become more like Your precious Son, and serve You with my whole heart! Thank You for loving me so much! Thank You for finding value in me regardless of age or ability, and that You have a purpose for me in this present world. Help me to continue to study Your Word, apply it to my life, and share it with others. May I be a “heart” and “neck” Christian! In Jesus’ precious and holy name, I pray. Amen.
More like Jesus would I be, let my Savior dwell with me;
Fill my soul with peace and love, make me gentle as a dove;
More like Jesus, while I go, pilgrim in this world below;
Poor in spirit would I be; let my Savior dwell in me.
(from "More Like Jesus I Would Be" by Fanny Crosby)
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“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – Romans 12:2