What Does a Modern Nazarite Look Like?

There is much speech abroad concerning a modern Nazarite; some place the matter in the fashion of the hair, some in the plainness of apparel, and others in a severe withdrawing from ordinary life. But these things, considered in themselves, neither make nor prove a person consecrated. The ancient ordinance is to be honoured in its proper place; its enduring instruction is that a person deliberately belongs unto the Lord.

Separated Unto the Lord

Numbers 6:2 (KJV): “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD.”

The Hebrew separate - nazar (נָזַר) speaks of being set apart or consecrated. Observe that the ordinance was open to man and woman alike, and that its object was not display before men but separation unto the Lord Himself. The vow gave a visible witness to an inward purpose: this life is not at my own disposal.

The believer under the Gospel is not summoned to rebuild the ceremonial vow as a means of righteousness. Yet the holy principle remains: the redeemed ought to live as those whose persons, choices, and strength are the Lord's. Read Gill on Numbers 6:2.

Romans 12:1 (KJV): “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Present - parastesai (παραστῆσαι) is to place oneself at another's disposal. Here consecration begins, not in attempting to secure mercy, but in answering mercy already shown. A living sacrifice is no purchase-price for favour; it is the fitting worship of one accepted through Christ. Read Gill on Romans 12:1.

Liberty That Refuses Bondage

The Nazarite of old had appointed boundaries: no fruit of the vine, no razor upon the head, and no defilement by the dead. These were signs belonging to that ordinance; they are not imposed on the Christian as a new covenant of law. Still, the wisdom plainly abides. Holy people do not ask merely, “May I?” but also, “Will this thing govern me, dull my watchfulness, or draw my heart from God?”

1 Corinthians 6:12 (KJV): “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”

Mastered - exousiasthesomai (ἐξουσιασθήσομαι) means to be brought under another's authority. Lawful things may be used lawfully; yet even a lawful comfort becomes harmful when it sits upon the throne of the heart. The modern Nazarite does not make a merit of needless severity, but refuses every pleasure that claims mastery. Read Gill on 1 Corinthians 6:12.

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Temperance - enkrateia (ἐγκράτεια) is self-control. This is not the proud stiffness of one who trusts his own resolve; it is fruit brought forth by the Holy Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, and disciplined desire are therefore not ornaments added to consecration, but its living evidence. Read Gill on Galatians 5:22-23.

Holiness That Serves

True separation is not a proud retreat from people. Christ was without sin, yet moved among the needy with mercy and truth. A modern Nazarite therefore keeps clear of the world's ruling patterns, while remaining ready to serve within the world for the honour of God and the good of neighbour.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV): “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”

Glorify - doxasate (δοξάσατε) means to give honour. The body is not a private possession to be spent without regard to its Lord; it belongs to the One who bought His people at a price. Hence consecration reaches conduct, speech, appetites, relationships, work, and stewardship. Read Gill on 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

Matthew 5:16 (KJV): “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

The light given by Christ is not buried for private admiration. It appears in sincere obedience, sound speech, courage in temptation, faithfulness in duty, and compassion toward others; yet all praise must pass beyond the servant to the Father in heaven. Read Gill on Matthew 5:16.

What, then, does a modern Nazarite look like? Not chiefly a particular hairstyle, garment, or outward badge, though such things may be personally meaningful. He or she looks like one who is Christ's: sober without self-righteousness, disciplined without harshness, separate from sin without withdrawing from mercy, and made fruitful by the Spirit. The lasting mark is not the sign upon the head, but the life offered to God through Jesus Christ.

Prayer: O Lord, who hast redeemed Thy people for Thyself, keep me from every mastery but Thy gracious rule. Let the mercies of Christ make my whole life a willing offering, and cause Thy Spirit to bring forth holy fruit in me for Thy glory. Amen.