Today’s Bible reading from the Five Day Bible Reading Plan: Numbers 6-7; Hebrews 13

As you read through Numbers 6-7 today, you’ll come across an outlining of the Nazarite vow. The most well-known keepers of this vow are Samuel (1 Samuel 2), Samson (Judges 13:1-5), and John the Baptist (Luke 1:13-17). What can we learn about this:

1. This vow comes voluntarily (Numbers 6:2).
2. They do not partake of wine or strong drink, nor from anything produced from the vine of the grape (Numbers 6:3-4).
3. No haircuts or shaving (Numbers 6:5).
4. He shall touch no dead body–even it is a close member of the family who dies suddenly (Numbers 6:6-12).
5. There is a timeframe for this separation and commitment (Numbers 6:13-20).

What role does this play for us in New Testament Christianity? We are to follow Christ willingly, in the world but separate from the flow of the culture that drifts away from the design of God and His Word. In a wonderful article about the Nazirite vow, the author reminds us of Romans 12:1-2:

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.