Reading the Old Testament is enlightening in so many ways. But probably the most rewarding thing about it is seeing just how foundational it is. This is probably an obvious point to many, but I suppose I was just too ignorant to see it before. The customs and traditions we see in the New Law have their origins in the Old Law. The idea of consecrating oneself to God can be traced back to the earliest books of the Bible; one case in point being the Law of the Nazarites found in Numbers 6. I didn't know much about the Nazarites, but their sanctification process sounds like the classic ascetic model. Anyone who wants to achieve greater sanctity through a more zealous lifestyle has the option of abstaining from worldly pleasures and making a solemn vow to be consecrated to God as a Nazarite, for a temporary period, or for the rest of his life. Historically the Nazarites are a pretty significant part of Judaism. I hadn't realized this, but Saint John the Baptist was a Nazarite (though seeing that he secluded himself in the desert, fasting and abstaining from worldly comforts, it should have been obvious to me). Saint Paul was even supposed to have taken a temporary Nazarite vow. I find it truly special that God allows these special provisions to be made for those who need to do more to live for God. Today of course we have many ascetic-like options for those who, in the past, may have been inclined to become a Nazarite. Monasteries and convents house these pious individuals. And even for those who desire to make a more temporary change of lifestyle, there are retreat houses where one can walk much closer to God for a certain amount of time to re-charge their soul. Reading about the ancient Nazarites truly makes me feel like part of a Divine plan that transcends time and space -- for I see a relationship between God and man back then that looks strikingly familiar to how many people approach Him now. (I'm not saying that nothing has changed, but God is still a God that requires reverence and devoutness). For thousands upon thousands of years, God has been inspiring men and women to leave the things of this world behind and devote everything to Him. The thought of it is stirring.
Also of significance in Numbers 6 are the short benedictions at the end of the chapter. These priestly blessings are as beautiful as they are brief:
"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee." (Numbers 6:24)
"The Lord show his face to thee, and have mercy on thee." (Numbers 6:25)
"The Lord turn his countenance to thee, and give thee peace." (Numbers 6:26)
It seems that God Himself always gives us the best words to say. These words uttered by the sons of Aaron had to have been of great comfort and joy to the people of Israel. Indeed, they must still fill us with hope today!
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