Read Numbers 5:1
Highlights:
Today we read about the Laws of cleansing, recompense, jealousy; the Nazarite vow; the threefold blessing of the Lord. The Lord bestows a powerful blessing on all who dedicate their lives inwardly and outwardly to Him.
When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the Lord. . . . All the days of his separation he is holy unto the Lord (Num. 6:2-8).
The vow of the Nazarite meant that one separated himself unto Jehovah for a specific period of time — from a month to a lifetime. Among the lifetime Nazarites were Samuel, Samson, and John the Baptist.
The Nazarite had to give up certain self-satisfactions and separate himself from defiling influences of the world, for he was holy unto the Lord. His separation involved three things: (1) his hair was to grow long; no razor was to come upon his head; (2) he could not touch or go near a dead body, not even the body of a dear loved one; (3) he could not drink wine or eat anything that came from the grapevine, such as grapes or raisins. These foods — earthly satisfactions — were harmless in themselves, but they were willingly given up in order to be separated unto the Lord. The one who took the Nazarite vow was neither a legalist nor an extremist; he was simply a person who desired to go beyond the ordinary requirements of worship to give the Lord more of himself.
The Nazarite was one who sacrificed more than his possessions. He was also to be consecrated to God — to serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind (I Chr. 28:9). The outward observances were to be the genuine expression of his heart.
True, there is no longer a biblical group of people known as Nazarites, but should a Christian be less devoted to our Lord? If we value a person's friendship, we will do things that we know are pleasing to him. If we truly love the Lord, we should not allow the cares of this world to come between us and our love for Him. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Col. 3:2).
The Christian, like the Nazarite, should go beyond what he thinks is necessary to be just a Christian, and should gladly let go of all he holds dear in order to please the Father. Christians are called to a lifetime of separation from the lust of the flesh (I John 2:16). Christ alone is to be Lord of our lives.
Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me (Matt. 16:24).
Thought for Today:
I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ (Phil. 3:8).
Christ Revealed:
Nazarite is a Hebrew term meaning “dedication by separation” (Num. 6:1-8). Jesus dedicated Himself to do only the will of His Father, even unto death: Thy will be done (Matt. 26:39,42).
Word Studies:
5:2 an issue, a discharge; 5:3 defile, contaminate; 5:7 recompense, repay; 5:8 kinsman, relative; atonement, sacrifice; 5:12 a trespass, adultery; 5:13 close, undetected; taken with the manner, caught in the act; 5:22 into thy bowels, the body; 5:27 a curse, an outcast; 6:12 consecrate, rededicate; 6:14 blemish, defect; 6:15 unleavened, yeast free; 6:19 sodden, boiled, roasted; 6:20 wave, gesture of offering.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts: In memory of Doris Hoffman • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Official: Rep. Richard Neal (MA) • Country: Seychelles (79,000) a group of islands in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and India • Major languages: English and French • Religious freedom • 89% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Remember that faith is a vital tool in your prayer life to ensure your prayers are answered (Rom. 12:3).
Optional Reading: Luke 1:1
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 3:18