Why would anyone take a Nazirite Vow? I looked for physical or material benefits but there was none. Except that, the person who takes the Nazirite vow is considered holy – set apart for the Lord – during the duration of his or her vow. On top of the many rules for the Israelites to follow, you can still go even stricter, and it seems you can even make a vow on top of your Nazirite vow. Wow. Will God love Nazirites more? I don’t think so. Will it secure their place in heaven more than what is required from those who don’t take the vow? Don’t think so. Is it like a deposit, where it allows you some leeway to be disobedient after the duration of the vow? Nope.

A Nazirite vow allows a regular person, a non-levite / non-priest, to be holy for the Lord. That is a blessing in itself. It shows commitment, it shows faith. Faith in action. Being holy allows you to experience God more intimately, and you know from experience that there is no greater feeling than that. It’s not easy, you will be different in both appearance and actions. And you need to obey perfectly – one mistake, even if it is isn’t your fault, and you have to repeat the process all over again.

What amazing grace. I can never set myself apart for the Lord perfectly like that.

Thank you Jesus.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence (Philippians 2:12a ESV)

It is a father’s desire – may it be biological, spiritual or even professional – that their “children” will take their lessons and obey not only in their presence but even in their absence. This is the true test of the influence and impact of earthly fathers.

What about our Heavenly Father? He is never absent, always present – even though we sometimes think and act as if it’s the opposite. In fact, He is not merely present but actively involved in our lives through his Spirit in us. He both guides us and gives us strength.

for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13 ESV)

What does God call us to be? Lights – pointing to the amazing grace made available to everyone – in the midst of a confused and suffering world.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, (Philippians 2:14, 15 ESV)

Finally, some real-time encouragement for recent events:

and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. (Philippians 2:24 ESV)

Being in a different country away from family and friends, we miss out on many events back home. Particularly this year, we have a desire to visit – even multiple times if possible. Unlike previous years where we basically defaulted to a “no, we cannot go”, this year I feel we should be more prayerful in asking God for His plans for us regarding trips to the Philippines. If He has a purpose for us there (like to be an encouragement), I believe God will make happen.

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. (Isaiah 42:1 MSG)

In verses 1 to 4, I can feel the Father’s pride regarding his Son. The way He talks about the Son, you can tell the depth of the relationship they share. Which just makes me realize even more the greatness of the sacrifice they made. Why go to that extent? Because God loves us (verses 5 to 9). Worship, then, is the natural response, as encouraged in the next verses. Although, just by the greatness of His power He is already most worthy of worship, we worship not because of fear, but we are able to worship because of gratefulness and love.

So hear, look – don’t just stand there passively! God is speaking and showing you great things, and you have to actively listen and see.

Last Sunday in TBC, Pastor Akira shared the story of his time in Bible school when he consulted his professor about his plan to make an in-depth study of the Old Testament Law (the Torah, first five books). His professor advised him that it is difficult, and can even be dangerous, to study the Old Testament just by itself. I understand that now – without Jesus, many things in the Law does not make sense, and can be quite discouraging. Case in point, the second part of Numbers 5.

A husband, who finds out his wife committed adultery – or even just thinks that she did, whether it is true or not – has some things within his right that he is able to do. He can present his wife to God through the priest, and let her go through a test. Up until here the focus is on the jealous husband, but now the focus is on the wife. She is made to give a testimony in front of God of her innocence, and the effect of the water (holy, mixed with dust from the area inside the temple) she is made to drink will determine if she is truthful or not.

There are so many angles we can look at regarding this passage, but for now, just one. God tells us that He is a jealous God. He is jealous for the people He created, loves, and through Jesus, sacrificed and gave up so much for. He is forever faithful and, rightly so, expects those who has committed themselves to Him to be faithful as well. God calls the Church – his people – as his bride.

If we as a church, or just personally, were made to stand before God now – will we be able to say confidently that we are faithful? We can hide from people, our sins can be hidden, but not to God. I would not drink the holy water. I would break down and confess my sin. Numbers 5 does not say what happens in that case, but I do know what the jealous God will do. What He has already done. He forgives, he took the punishment in our place, he cleanses us, and we are made new. We are able to escape the curse, and we are even recipients of greater blessings.

It’s fitting to end this post with the song “How He Loves”:

He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us, oh,
Oh, how He loves us,
How He loves us all

Such a short passage for a long trip, but spot on as always.

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. (Psalm 125:1 ESV)

I am feeling a bit shaken recently, at least more than I would admit even to myself. I am learning that it takes faith both in trusting God in the unknown as well as trusting God – persevering – in what is known. You are now here, you trusted God to bring you to it, now you need to trust God as you go through it.

Remain in Him, abide in Him, be upright in your heart and in your life. This is God’s message to me today.

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore. (Psalm 125:2 ESV)