"The LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'If a man or woman wants to make a special vow, a vow of separation to the LORD as a Nazirite, he must abstain from wine and other fermented drink...'" (Numbers 6:1-21 NIV).
Actually, are there such Nazirites today? Actual Nazirites as in Bible times? I don't know. Maybe among the Jewish population you'll find some. However, in the spiritual sense every single believer in Jesus Christ is called and consecrated to God. We are 'set apart'. We are called to be separated from the world and separated unto God.
He wants us to be holy as He is holy We have been set apart to do good works and to spread the message of Jesus and make obedient disciples (see 1 Peter 1:15-16; Ephesians 2:10; and Matthew 28:16-20). We don't have to grow our hair or abstain from wine or fermented drinks or even from eating grapes, raisins, their skins and seeds but we do need to live holy lives according to God's Word. In so doing we honor Him (see 1 Samuel 2:30).
It's interesting to take note that if there is no priest in the temple, then the individual who had earlier made a Nazirite vow, would not be able to end his or her vow. They'd have an extended period of vow time or even a lifetime of living set apart unto the LORD.
At the end of the vow period they had to bring burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the Lord and the priest would offer those up on his or her behalf. He would also cut their dedicated hair which they'd then burn in the fire. This would end the vow and they could go about their normal food and drink intake.
As followers of Jesus Christ we have our whole lifetime on earth to be ever more sanctified and to fulfil our purpose as designated by God. Let us keep on keeping on for His glory and honor until He comes. May our whole lives be one of extended offering to Him. Make a point of it, as if you had made a Nazirite Vow.
~ERC February 2024~
Based on Numbers 6:1-21 NIV.
Sing, Just a Closer Walk With Thee, along with Country Gospel Collection.
See also:
Nazirite Vow - Part 1 - Introduction
Nazirite Vow - Part 2 - Samson
Nazirite Vow - Part 3 - Samuel
Nazirite Vow - Part 4 - John the Baptizer
Nazirite Vow - Part 5 - Jesus' Disciples & Paul
Nazirite Vow - Part 6 - Hannah
There is an extension to the above Nazirite Vow series, extending to Parts 8 & 9. Coming soon...
No comments:
Post a Comment