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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You knew that your people would want to express their gratitude to you in an intimate and personal way, and so you gave them the Nazirite vow. This vow teaches me that I can show my love and dedication to you through self-denial. You are a God who delights in your people, and you welcome my desire to consecrate myself to you. Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the law of jealousy and the Nazirite vow. The law of jealousy was designed to deal with a husband’s accusation of adultery against his wife. This law shows your concern for those who are vulnerable to mistreatment and abuse. At that time, a husband’s authority over his wife was absolute, and he could ruin her life if he grew tired of her or disliked her. Your command for oversight by a priest showed your kindness and justice. If the woman was guilty she would be stricken with a wasting disease, but if she was innocent she would be vindicated and able to bear children. This teaches me how much you care about those who are subject to human authority. You want me to treat them with kindness, respect and impartiality. The Nazirite vow (nazir: ‘to separate’) was unique, for it was made by a person who wanted to give themselves to you, rather than the normal offerings (Num 6:2). During the period of the vow, the individual was to abstain from grapes and grape by-products. They were also to refrain from cutting their hair which was the symbol of their separation. At the end of the vow, they were to offer the prescribed sacrifices, and then they were to shave their head and place their hair into the fire of the peace offering (Num 6:18–19). Your institution of the Nazirite vow teaches me how pleased you are when your people set themselves apart to you and are willing to forego normal activities and pleasures in order to show their love for you. The Nazirite vow could be taken by a woman, showing that gender makes no difference when it comes to dedication and holiness. In this way it foreshadowed the unity men and women have in Christ, for all believers are part of a spiritual priesthood (Gal 3:28; 1 Pet 2:5). Reflection Today’s reading emphasizes that your Name is on me (Num 6:27) and that sanctifying you as holy is my primary concern. Am I being diligent to glorify you in all I say and do? Request Father, I ask that you would bless me and keep me; make your face shine upon me and be gracious to me; turn your face toward me and give me peace! (Num 6:24–26). Thanksgiving How wonderful it is to know that you desire to bless and prosper me! I want to thank you for your mercy and grace by living a life that exalts and honors your precious name! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Take My Life and Let It Be” by Frances R. Havergal. Meditation Verse: Numbers 6:24–26. |