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THE NAZIRITE (JUDGES 13:2-7)

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “The Nazirite”. A Nazirite is an Israelite who was consecrated to the service of God, under vows to abstain from alcohol, cutting the hair, and avoid defilement making contact with dead bodies. The foundation of the Nazarite tradition and vows are found in Numbers 6. We shall reflect on the fact that we may not be Jewish Nazirites but we can nurture our children and dedicate our lives to God as Nazirites.

Beloved in the Lord, before Samson was born, his mother who had been barren and childless for a long time was promised by the Angel of the Lord, “You are barren and childless, but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son. 4 Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. 5 You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb…” (Judges 13:3-5). We are not Jews but we can learn a great lesson from the Nazirite call. The most important lesson is to consider our children dedicated to the Lord from the womb. Once parents dedicate their unborn children to the Lord, they must be meticulous in obeying the Lord and abstaining from anything that offends the will of God for their lives and children. Again, once we dedicate our children to God from the womb, we must start nurturing them at birth to follow the ways of the Lord. “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

Today, we Christians are like the Nazirites in the world therefore we must consecrate our lives to Jesus to fulfil the mission of God in the world by becoming the light of the world. Paul’s admonishment to the Romans is worth considering when he wrote “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2) We must follow the example of Jesus Christ in every sphere of our lives. We represent righteousness, morality and holiness. We must not conform to the world but allow the Holy Spirit to use us for God’s glory. Let us live consecrated life for Christ.

In summary, we have learnt that we may not be Jewish Nazirites but we can nurture our children and dedicate our lives to God as Nazirites. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, empower us to dedicate our lives to God as Nazirites. Amen.