Separated...

Numbers 6:1-21.  As we move out of Leviticus, we come into Numbers which lines out some more laws but also gives us some insight into the preparations that are being made to enter the Promised Land.  In Numbers 6:1-21, we find a law that I have always found intriguing, the law of the Nazirite.  A Nazirite had a very unique set of requirements.  He could not cut his hair.  He could not eat or drink any sort of product made from grapes. He could not go near a dead person.  If the vow was somehow broken, sacrifices would need to be made. Finally, upon completion of the vow the Nazirite would shave his head and take it to the priest. The vow was only for a specified amount of time but it's requirements were strict. Above all, the person who took the Nazirite vow would have to be separated.

Separated.  The concept of the Nazirite vow should be familiar to most of us because of the story of Samson that we find in Judges 13-17.  Today, we are not going to look at Samson or spend a great deal of time with the Nazirite vow itself but spend some time looking at this concept of being separated for the Lord's service.

Separated.  Something many people fail to realize is that upon obedience to the gospel, we too are making a vow to be separated.

Separated.  We are not making a vow to never cut our hair or abstain from a certain substance but we are making a vow to separate ourselves for the Lord's service.

Separated.  We are making a vow to be separated but what happens when we break our vow? That's right, when, not if, but when we break our vow.  Well when we break our vow, we have to realize the sacrifice has been made by Jesus Christ but we must recommit ourselves, forget what is behind and press on toward the goal (Philippians 3:14).

Separated.  So how can we apply this? Well there are several practical ways we can apply this principle of being separated for the Lord's supper.  If you have not done so, it begins by obeying the gospel.  But if you have obeyed the gospel, my encouragement to you is this.  Today is Monday. Take the next seven days and give something up such as time on the internet.  But in addition to that, do something in service to the Lord during that time.

DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL! GOD BLESS!