March 17, 2024
Read Numbers 6, Psalm 76, Colossians 4
What is something that you have made a vow to do? A wedding vow? A vow to never do something that you did in your past? A vow to some conviction that you hold dearly in life? Numbers chapter 6 is the instructions for anyone, man or woman who wishes to become a Nazarite. Samson and Samuel were Nazarites according to the Scriptures and many people believe that John the Baptist was also a Nazarite, even though the Bible doesn’t specifically call him one. John the Baptist’s ascetic lifestyle seems to imply that he was one. Nazarites were to abstain from drinking alcohol, coming into contact with a dead body, and they were not to cut their hair in a specific way.
You might not consider the Nazarite vow for yourself today but is there something in your lifestyle that you set apart as a sign of obedience to the Lord or to show reference or respect for the Lord’s commands. Growing up in a culture that seems to have a “no boundaries” approach to life, Christians can easily be swayed into following all the practices of the world or what is deemed acceptable in culture. The idea of denying ourselves some pleasure or seeking to remain holy for the Lord’s use is a rare task for many today.
Paul gives some wise final instructions in Colossians 4. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” v. 2-6.
Just like a Nazarite who devotes himself to the Lord, Christians are to devote themselves other spiritual practices like prayer and sharing the gospel. In verse 4 Paul asks for prayer in sharing the gospel, “that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should” v. 4. He also challenges the believers to “Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” v. 5. This could mean a variety of specific things but would include how we treat and relate to others. Are we being good salt and light to others around us or… are we pushing anyone away with our attitude or harshness. We should make a vow to have conversations that are seasoned the perfect amount. If you have ever had French fries that were too salty or not salty enough you know what reaction it brings to you. The right balance is the way to go. What else do you see in these three chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
Add your thoughts below.
DId God Really Say... 