After the initial census from which the book derives its name, Numbers moves on to describe what needed to happen to cleanse people who sinned until chapter six when the rules for something called a Nazirite vow were established:
The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘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" (Numbers 6:1-4).
The most famous Nazirite was Samson, who was one for life, and it seems that the Apostle Paul also took the vow in Acts 21. Why would a Nazirite have to abstain from grape products for the duration of the vow? Commentators' opinions and reasons vary and include to avoid drunkenness, to abstain from the foods of the land (the spies brought back a giant cluster of fruit from the Promised Land), to stay away from the fertility rites of the locals (grapes represent fruitfulness), and to obey God for no special reason except that He said to abstain.
My own sense is that the grapes, which are a fruit rich in natural sugar, could be used to sustain someone and give them natural energy or that wine could dull their senses. A doctor who treated patients through a regimen of natural means and fasting once reported he could sustain patients who were ill and could not eat other foods by simply having them eat grapes. Since this is a study about purpose and creativity, let me give you my opinion.
The man or woman who has dedicated themselves to God's purpose has to rely solely on the power of God's presence for the energy they need to complete their work. They are totally dedicated to God's purpose in their lives. They are neither to deaden their senses through entertainment or other distractions nor supplement or dissipate the Spirit's energy through frivolous activities. The joy of expressing God's will through their purpose and creative gifts is enough to strengthen them for the task.
Are you a Nazirite? Have you devoted yourself to God's purpose or are you a part-time person of purpose? Have you dedicated your creative abilities to God, making them available to Him, or do you rent them out to the highest bidder—or ignore their development? In the next few studies, we will look at other things the Nazirite had to do to separate themselves for God's exclusive use, but for now, consider how completely you have set yourself apart to God's will for your life.
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