Nazirite

"If a man or woman wants to make a special vow, a vow of dedication to the LORD as a Nazirite, they must abstain from wine and other fermented drink and must not drink vinegar made from wine or other fermented drink. They must not drink grape juice or eat grapes or raisins. As long as they remain under their Nazirite vow, they must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins." (Num 6:2b-4)


I opened the bible this morning to this passage in Moses' book entitled "Numbers."  Among the laws, records, and narrative of the wilderness period for the Israelites is the code governing the lives of the Nazirite.  A Nazirite is a man or woman who is dedicated to the Lord (set aside for the Lord) for a period of time.  Sometimes parents would give their children to the Lord's service as a Nazirite.  The most famous of these was Samson the strong.  But he was also the worst example as he abandons his Nazirite vows.


The restrictions included no wine, grapes or raisins; no cutting of his hair (it is to grow long); and no going near dead bodies even if the dead are his or her own parents. In addition there are offerings to be made by the Nazirite at the end of his time of separation.  If the Nazirite accidentally comes in contacts with a dead body (like someone suddenly dying in front of her or him), the Nazirite is to shave his head and start over his time of separation. The former days lived as a Nazirite under the code does not count. Imagine that. 


Sunday I broke the code of my Daniel Fast.  I am not to have bread with leavening.  We celebrated holy communion.  I didn't even think about the restriction as this sacrament is also holy to Christians.  I was in the moment of remembering Jesus, enjoying the music that was begin offered, and watching the body of Christ coming together to enjoy the Lord. It is a meal in which we symbolically receive the dead body of the Lord and drink His atoning blood.  I do not believe that the bread and juice supernaturally turn into the actual flesh and blood of Jesus as some do, but it is a means for experiencing Christ anew.


What if my transgression for a very good reason meant I had to start my Daniel Fast all over again?  What if the past two weeks of fasting did not count? Would I be sullen and angered?  Would I be sad?  Would I be accepting and at peace acknowledging that God is my prize and there is nothing on earth that compares to Him?  I hope for the latter. 


Yesterday I smelled the wonderful aroma of beef steak cooking on the grill.  If the whiff of steak sizzling at a nearby restaurant causes me to covet and long for the fast to end, I know I am still bound to my cravings.  I turned my thoughts quickly to the Lord and reminded myself that I have Him and that's all I really want or need.  My mind accepted the imposed restriction with a certain amount of gladness, but my salivary glands had a different response!


Lord God, I am dedicated to you for this short period of my life.  Seven weeks is nothing.  Nazirites denied themselves for years.  Priests denied themselves certain pleasures for life.  These people were set apart for you.  Help me to unify my body with my heart and mind that all of me can take joy in this time apart just for You! In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen