Thoughts on the readings for March 25th (Numbers 6, Proverbs 3, Luke 17)

Numbers 6 speaks about the Nazarite vow. When a man, or woman of Israel sought to serve Yahweh with all their heart, mind and soul; but were not from the tribe of Levi the Nazarite vow gave them the opportunity. Verses 1 to 21 outline what was required to be a Nazarite. The priesthood was restricted to males; but service to God can be given by anyone. Unlike the priesthood, which lasted for the life of the priest, a Nazarite could make a vow for any length of time. The vowed person was to avoid any product of the vine. This was a reminder of the similarity of this service to that of the priests, who because of the drunkenness of two of Aaron's sons (Nadab and Abihu) on the day the Tabernacle began its service were struck dead and therefore thereafter strong drink was forbidden for all priests. Additionally the hair of the Nazarite must not be cut - symbolical that the vowed person's thinking belonged to the Almighty. Like the priests the Nazarite was to avoid any contact with death. We too must serve the LORD with our life (Luke 9 verses 57 to 62). Verses 9-12 tell of the requirements for the Nazarite should their vow be accidentally broken. The Nazarite must make the specified offerings and start the vow again. Verses 13-21 tell what the Nazarite, who had completed the term of their vow was to do. The sacrifices that accompanied the completion of their vow were similar to those offered when a priest commenced his service. What a wonderful blessing for the Nazarite to serve their God in love. But the greatest blessing came when their time of service had been completed and Yahweh blessed each one of them individually by pronouncing His love for them and His acceptance of their service by the pronouncing of the priestly blessing on them. This is recorded in verses 24 to26, "YAHWEH BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU; YAHWEH MAKE HIS FACE TO SHINE UPON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS UNTO YOU; YAHWEH LIFT UP HIS COUNTENANCE UPON YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE". Verse 27 says that other great blessing that went with this was like that of the High Priest, "THEY SHALL PUT MY NAME ON THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL". The High Priest of the LORD bore on his forehead a golden plate which read, "Holiness to Yahweh". The Lord Jesus Christ said to his faithful followers, "Fear not little flock it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom". In Proverbs 3 the wise advice from a father to his son continues. Verses 1 to12 is a call to obedience. Stedfast love and faithfulness are to be the chosen companions of those seeking to walk in wisdom's ways. Total trust in their Sovereign was an essential part of their walk. This would teach them to avoid the treacherous path of self trust, which is actually self deception. Verses 9 to12 counsels that the Almighty must occupy first place in our hearts and lives. Give to the LORD the best of everything in our lives; and His blessings will flow abundantly. Verses 11 to 12 says that our Father allows our chastening because He loves us and seeks us to share eternity with Him. The writer to the Hebrews comments on this in chapter 12 verses 5 to 11. Verses 3 verses 13 to 26 describe the rewards of wisdom. Blessings beyond counting are given by wisdom. The powerful metaphors teach of what the wise woman bountifully provides. Precious treasures; pleasantness and peace; and ultimately eternal life in the Kingdom of the Father and His Son - see Revelation 2 verse 7. In verses 19 to 20 Wisdom is personified as the Almighty's companion before the earth's creation. She will be the crowning glory to those who choose her favours and will safeguard your thinking. This will prevent all those who have made wisdom their choice from walking in worldly ways. Verses 27-35 finishes this portion of advice by outlining the obligations we take upon ourselves when we choose wisdom. Luke 17 commences with a woe upon any who would be a cause of serious stumbling to Jesus' disciples. This follows Jesus' comments in verses 1-6 on the need for forgiveness which brought the response from the twelve: ""Lord to increase their faith". Yet that faith, like the mustard and mulberry seeds, may be tiny but immensely powerful. We are told that when we have done all, we are still unprofitable slaves. We have but done what was our duty. Jesus cleansed ten lepers, yet only one returned with thanksgiving - and he a Samaritan (presumably the other nine were Jews). When questioned about the kingdom Jesus pointed out that the rulers were looking for outward, observable signs; but they had failed to recognise the most visible and evident sign of all - Jesus the King in their midst. He told them to be ready to go to the kingdom and not be caught up with preoccupation with food and drink and multiple marriages - as in the time of Noah. The same warnings applied to Lot's time with the additional problems of involvement with the absorbing commerce of that time. Some will be ready and waiting. Sadly, others will not. Let us be among the ready, rather than have the eagles strip our bones. There was in this prophecy overtones of the coming judgment of AD70 by the Roman eagle. Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-march-25th-numbers-6-proverbs-3-luke-17/?feed_id=88399&_unique_id=67e103d581ebb