“She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe” (Judges 13:14).
TEXT — Judges 13:8-14
Message
Experts in medical science warn pregnant women to avoid the use of tobacco, alcohol and hard substance. Even minor abuse of such substance can cause health issues in the baby, including short and long-term conditions or death.
The angel in our text came to Manoah and his wife with good news that they will have a son after many years of waiting. However, the angel warned Manoah’s wife against taking strong drink and eating anything unclean during her pregnancy. This was partly due to the special consecration required for the child, who will be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death. This is in addition to health reasons necessary for the wellbeing of the baby and his mother.
A higher consecration was required of those who took the vow to be Nazarites in the Old Testament. They were required to be consecrated to God; avoid eating or drinking anything unclean or alcoholic. They equally do not cut their hair as a condition of their special covenant with God. Under the New Testament, all believers are priests and princes unto God (1 Peter 2:9). Therefore, as holy saints of God, we are required to be consecrated unto God throughout our lives on earth.
Some believers do not appreciate that living a holy life and maintaining the sanctity of the marriage vow, being humble and lowly are requirements for those who are ministers in God’s vineyard. They fail to realise that as God’s vessels, we carry a special grace as people consecrated to project the life of Christ. We are carriers of His glory and anointing required to function in His appointed service. Start seeing yourself that way from today.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
Amen am blessed