Monday: Numbers 6—The Nazarite Vow
In Numbers 6, there are instructions for one to take a voluntary and
personal vow before God. This vow was called the Nazarite vow, a
vow of holy separation to God and His service. One taking the vow
was 1) to abstain from wine and any product of the grape, 2) to not
allow their hair to be cut, and 3) to avoid contact with a corpse. Both
Samson and Samuel were dedicated by their parents to be Nazarites
from birth (Judges 13:5; 1 Samuel 1:11). Samson’s uncut hair
became his strength to defeat the enemies of Israel. Samuel’s vow
allowed him to serve as a high priest, even though he was not a
descendant of Aaron. Although the literal vow is not a Christian
practice, the significance of each part relates to a holy, Christian
consecration. When our hearts are touched by Christ, we may vow to
abstain from certain earthly pleasures and luxuries that distract us
from living for the Lord, just as a Nazarite would abstain from wine
and grape products. Uncut hair signifies trusting in God alone for our
strength. Samuel being raised up in the temple, separated from the
defilement of the world, is a picture of a voluntary vow of separation
from activities and environments that kill our relationship with Christ.
Purity is not a gift; it is a choice. It begins with a personal and
voluntary consecration.
Tuesday: Luke 10—The Inn
Luke 10 gives us the epic story of the Good Samaritan who rescued
the beaten-up man left in the ditch for dead. Often passed over in
this story is its commentary on human institutions. Jesus was telling
this story to a scribe, who represented a society of scholars that
diligently studied Scripture. The priest who walked on the other side
of the road represented an elite, revered group of clergy that led
worship services. The Levite, the second person who walked on the
other side of the road, represented a faithful religious crowd who not
only bought into their religious beliefs but were committed to build
up and support their religious community. The ones steeped in
doctrine, the worship leaders, and the religious zealots were
unconcerned for a man that needed healing. They may have been too
occupied with their religious endeavors or they may have felt that the
man’s predicament was what he deserved, but whatever their
reasoning was, their religious institutions failed them. In contrast, the
Good Samaritan had compassion. He healed the man’s wounds, took
him to an inn, and paid the inn to take care of him. The inn was a
different kind of institution, a hospital equipped and willing to care for
those in need. Those that the world leaves in the ditch need a Good
Samaritan and the Good Samaritan needs an inn with the same
compassion. The mission of the church is not to promote religion, but
to be a good Samaritan inn that reaches out and heals the downtrodden.
Wednesday: Luke 12—Money and Anxiety
A recent poll revealed that one third of Americans are “constantly”
stressed by finances and that one third of those married site money
as their major source of conflict. Solutions to this epidemic usually
center around prudent investment and saving for a comfortable
future. Yet, Jesus warns His disciples in Luke 12 with a story of a
businessman who invested in more barns for a future life of relaxation
and happiness. Jesus describes his investment as “laying up treasure
for himself” and calls him a “fool.” Unlike the solutions of a typical
contemporary financial guru, Jesus’ solution to financial anxiety is to
trust in God’s sensitivity to our need and loving care for our
wellbeing. He uses examples of how God cares for the ravens and the
lilies of the field and assures us that we are more important to God
than these. He tells us that financial anxiety is a result of a lack of faith in God’s provisions for our life. He labels saving / investment for
the future as “storing our treasure on earth where it will be stolen or
destroyed.” His encouragement is to lay up treasure in heaven.
Although Jesus was not necessarily bashing saving’s accounts, He
was warning us that our heart follows our money. If our money is tied
up on the earth, anxiety will be knocking at the door of our hearts. The
next time you have this urge in your heart to generously give for
God’s kingdom, do it. It takes your heart to heavenly places.
Thursday: Numbers 12—An Unbridled Tongue
Moses did not have an ambitious bone in his body. Nevertheless, his
leadership was repeatedly challenged. In chapter 13, ten spies led a
revolt and wanted to stone Moses. In chapter 16, Korah led a
rebellion against Moses. In this story in Numbers 12, Miriam and
Aaron were caught spouting off about what they thought they
deserved in the chain of command. Oh, the deadly poison that comes
from the unbridled tongue! Sometimes the unkind words of friends
sting more than the malice of enemies. This attack was personal
(marriage) and unprovoked. Moses did not defend himself. Rather, he
let God deal with it. When the people dishonored God by making a
golden calf, Moses reacted like a tiger, but when his own honor was
challenged, he was as meek as a lamb. He did not need to protect or
hold onto a human position. He trusted in “Whom God chooses”
(Numbers 16:6). God described Moses as the “meekest man on
earth.” He was angry that Moses’ siblings did not respect Moses’
faithfulness “in all His house.” He punished Miriam with leprosy. A
humbled Aaron begged Moses to ask God for Miriam’s healing. God
had mercy on Miriam, but she was to be put outside the camp for 7
days, an open display of God’s punishment for her loose tongue. Even
worse, the journey of the entire nation was put on hold—stopped until
the punishment was complete. We may observe weaknesses or
question the leadership of men and women used by God, but we need
to watch our tongue. Even unintentional words can damage the whole
church. An African proverb says, “When elephants fight, it is the
grass that suffers.”
Friday: Numbers 13-14—When God Gives Up
We all have moments of doubt, but there is a point at which God has
had enough. In Numbers 13, the people of Israel had completed their
2-year trek through the wilderness and were at the border of the land
God promised them. Spies were sent into the promised land to scout
out the territory. Ten of the twelve spies returned with an “evil
report” of giants and strong militaries. The people grumbled and wept
all night. When a rebel faction rose up to kill Moses and stirred up the
people to return to Egypt, God stepped in. He had enough. None of
those rebels would be allowed to experience the land that “flowed
with milk and honey.” When Christ came, God has promised us
mercy, love, and forgiveness. He has promised eternal life, rest for our
souls, and peace in our hearts. Christ has promised to build His
church and to return to marry her. God has conveyed these promises
clearly in Scripture, just as He spoke plainly to Israel through Moses.
But, Hebrews 4:2 tells us that the people did not “mix the word they
heard with faith.” Biblical promises become our reality when “mixed”
with faith. I believe, therefore, I receive. Just as God never promised
the people of Israel an easy entrance into the good land, He has
never promised Christians a bed of ease or financial windfall. Rather,
He has promised us that through His discipline and sovereign
arrangements, we would be conformed to the image of His Son; we
will be like Him. But, as Hebrews warns, beware of a heart of
unbelief.
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