a few good men and women
"As for the son you will conceive and bear, no razor shall touch his head, for this boy is to be consecrated to God from the womb. It is he who will begin the deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines." —Judges 13:5
Samuel, Samson, and John the Baptizer were perpetual nazirites to prepare the way for tremendous breakthroughs and deliverances. For example, Samuel became a prophet whose words were never without effect (1 Sm 3:19). Within twenty years, he turned the whole Israelite population to the Lord (1 Sm 7:2).
Samson delivered the chosen people from the Philistines by pushing over the supporting columns of the Philistine temple and killing several thousand people (Jgs 16:30). John the Baptizer was the greatest man ever born up to that time and prepared the way for the ultimate liberation of humanity by the Messiah Jesus (Mt 11:11).
Why does the Church bring to our attention these nazirites shortly before Christmas? The Spirit desires to raise up highly committed disciples to prepare the way of the Lord. In this last week before Christmas, will you be totally available for the Lord? Will you go out into the highways and byways and tell others about Jesus? (Lk 14:23) Will you watch one hour with Jesus or intercede into the night, if the Lord so wills? (Mk 14:37) The Lord is seeking committed followers to prepare for His Christmas coming of salvation and deliverance. Say "Yes."
Prayer: Lord, use me; use me up.
Promise: "He will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb." —Lk 1:15
Praise: "O Flower of Jesse's stem, You have been raised up as a Sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in Your presence; the nations bow down in worship before You. Come, let nothing keep You from coming to our aid."
Reference: (Proclaim Jesus to others by using the Bible. For encouragement, order our series on Biblical Counseling on audio AV 13A-1, AV 13A-3, AV 13B-1 or video starting with V-13A.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2006
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