Feb 25 (Daily reading: Numbers 5-6) Chapter 5 may seem to be one-sided in favor of a man, but it could also provide justice for an innocent woman who was living with a jealous husband. In the time of Moses, at least there was a way to know the truth, which is not always the case today. God knows how jealousy can be devastating in a relationship. This is true in a marriage, but it is also true in a church family. We can develop trust in our relationships through mutual communication and praying together.
A person could make a personal commitment to the Lord by taking “the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD” (6:2, NKJV). Samuel (1 Sam. 1:11) and Samson (Judg. 13:5) were Nazirites, and John the Baptist is considered to be one, since the angel told Zechariah that John would “drink no wine or liquor” (Lk. 1:15). Each of us should make the same personal vow of commitment that John made concerning Jesus: “He must become greater; I must become less” (Jn. 3:30, NIV).
Tucked away in Numbers is a benediction that has been used in countless worship services: “The LORD bless you, and keep you; the LORD cause His face to shine on you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His face to you, and give you peace” (6:24-26).
– Al Gary
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