Read: Numbers 6:1-7:89; Mark 12:38-13:13; Psalm 49:1-20; Proverbs 10:27-28
The Nazarite vow is something that has baffled me for a while but I think I see some of it a little more clearly. A Nazarite vow was totally voluntary unless God required it like with Sampson and John the Baptist. They were Nazarites from the womb.
A person took this vow as a decision to do business with God. They did away with anything alcoholic or from the vine. They also let their hair grow long and couldn’t go near a dead body no matter who they were. So no funerals - even if it was your relative.
Naturally, wine accentuates everything, and it controls you. People who drink talk louder, act out and don’t make decisions they would naturally do. So to not drink wine would be to take control of your life and not have any other outside things to blame your actions on or to control your thoughts.
Hair represents your covering, but long hair represents your rebellion - letting your self go. This is like putting a mirror in front of you and seeing yourself as you really are. It is facing your faults. All of your vices are out there for you to see, so you can deal with them.
Not going near a dead person is to stay away from things that would cause you to slip and fall. It might be getting rid of some relationships that are toxic to you and bring death, even if they are your family. This vow was limited for a set time. Sometimes we might need to distance ourselves from particular people for a time to get the right perspective, then we can see more clearly and enter back into their lives with power to overcome - not be conquered.
The Nazarite vow is all about self-perception and repentance. When the vow was over, the Nazarite was to go to the entrance of the Tabernacle and offer a sacrifice for his sins, and one for fellowship with the Lord. Then the person would shave their heads, take that hair and place it on the fire underneath the peace offering sacrifice. The priest would receive his offering, put it back into the man’s hands and lift his hands as a special offering to the Lord. Then the Nazarite was free and could drink wine.
What a great picture! Once we see our sin and get perspective about our lives during our time of separation, we can bring all our stuff to Jesus. He lifts our hands with all our stuff in it to God and he takes it. Our rebellion is burned and our fellowship is returned. Then we can experience freedom and have joy!!!
The day the Tabernacle was dedicated, all the tribes brought offerings to the Lord. They brought 6 large wagons and 12 oxen. These were for the two clans to carry the material for building the tabernacle. Two wagons and 4 oxen were given to the Gershonite division and four wagons and 8 oxen were given to the Merarite clan. None were given to the Kohathites because they carried the sacred objects on their shoulders. That is why God got so mad at the priests when they brought the Ark on a wagon in David’s time (1 Chronicles 13:7-14). It was to be carried on the shoulders of the priests and they were never to touch any of the furniture - it was holy. Uzza found that out the hard way.
All the tribes brought their gifts to the Lord on their day. We are in the fifth day and the names of the leaders that day mean “peace of God”, “rock of the Almighty” and “hearing”. That is what God is teaching us about.
In Mark, Jesus explains that anything short of everything is not an appropriate offering. The Pharisees gave only to be seen of man. The widow gave only to be seen of God, and she was. Jesus saw her and made her famous for her gift. Jesus went further by saying that their magnificent temple was not impressive to God either. It looked awesome to man but would be torn down by God.
Jesus gave us some more information about the end of days. When the world goes to pot, it will be a great time to evangelize. The corolla virus in China is being used by God to bring great miracles and revival. The people are flocking to the church to hear about Jesus and see the power of prayer. Many are being healed of the virus. Where sin abounds; grace abounds greater!
Lord, may we find your peace, stand upon your authority and hear your voice today. You are the Almighty Rock!
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