Numbers 6 -- Not A REWARD To Those Who BEHAVE

The people were given instructions for starting and finishing a time of special dedication to the Lord, above and beyond what one would normally expect to do.  It included abstaining from things that God did not allow during this time:  There was to be absolutely no consumption of grape products, no cutting of body hair, and no touching of corpses during the time of “extra devotion to God”.

This time of separation could be interrupted by accidental sin, when the circumstances of life, controlled by God, caused an unintended lapse, such as when a person nearby suddenly died.  If this happened, “the days of the special time before don’t count,” and the person restarts his or her time of dedication.  This gives us a glimpse of our restarts under Christ.  “Believers today need to realize that no failure need be permanent … The victorious Christian life is a series of new beginnings.”

Once the special time of dedication was fulfilled, procedures were given for offerings that would mark that completion.  My commentary did say, “Nobody is saved by making and keeping a vow.  Salvation is the gift of God to those who believe, NOT a reward to those who BEHAVE.”

Ephesians says that the church has been blessed with every spiritual blessing, which includes the one ending this chapter:  “May the Lord bless you and keep you.  May the Lord show you His kindness and have mercy on You.  May the Lord watch over you and give you peace.”

Father, thank You for the reminder that salvation is a gift from You to those of us who believe, and not a reward to those who behave; otherwise, I’d have no hope.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford