When discussing the vow of the Nazarite, and it’s implications for the modern church, one has to consider the question of applicability. To whom does this prophetic status of utmost consecration refer? My opinion in the past has been that only a select few will burn with the passion necessary to undertake the level of consecration it would take to truly adopt the Nazarite vow. This doesn’t in any way indicate that Jesus only desires this level of consecration from a select few, only that for the time being only a select few are willing to answer the call. The number of those willing must increase as we move towards the end.
My pastor raised an interesting idea today regarding the vow of the Nazarite. Could it be that the entire church is called to this level of devotion to the Lord?
To be sure, the status of Nazarite is available to any man, woman, or child that is willing to consecrate themselves to the service of the Lord. It always has been. Admittedly, my idea of the vow has always been that certain people would arise from among the ranks of the “normal” Christians to live with unprecedented purity of devotion, and consequently in uprecedented power to do exploits. But, theologically speaking, isn’t that the level of power that the entire church is called to operate in?
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (John 14:12)
Is not the entire church called to live in simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ?
But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3)
The discussion of whether or not Jesus desires the entire church to be fully, totally consecrated to His purposes is academic, at best. I think the scripture clearly illustrates that this is the case for anybody who desires to search out the matter.
From my perspective, then, the rise of the Nazarite becomes less of a last stand and more of a new beginning. The Nazarites will be early adopters of the only model of Christian life that will withstand the coming trials, that of total, pure devotion to the purposes of the Lord.
