Numbers 6:1-12, 2025.03.28 (Friday)

"Throughout the period of their dedication as a Nazirite, no razor shall touch their head. Until the time they have completed their vow to the Lord, they must be holy and let their hair grow long."Numbers 6:5

When the movie Samson and Delilah was aired as a weekend classic on television, and when Christmas came around with special movie broadcasts, there was an abundance of Bible-based films in those days. These were considered masterpieces and were highly popular as movie and drama adaptations. However, in today's era, such Christian films have become nothing more than old classics, with no remakes or new productions. Instead, movies that seem to criticize the reality of Christianity have become the trend.

Today's passage speaks about the Nazirite. The Nazirite, best represented by Samson, was a special individual who had to live a set-apart life, refraining from cutting their hair. Their life was entirely devoted to fulfilling God’s calling, to the extent that it might seem devoid of personal enjoyment. This may explain why Samson’s rebellious and wandering moments, as portrayed in the film, remain deeply memorable to us—perhaps because they resemble the acts of defiance we, too, experience in our lives.

On the other hand, some may think that for Christianity to dominate culture and hold power is to bring glory to God. It would be nice if everyone recognized and relied on the church, but history shows that the church has rarely been in a position of widespread acknowledgment and respect. As we all know, even Jesus suffered, and we are currently observing Lent in remembrance of His suffering. Therefore, if anyone hopes for a day when Christianity will hold absolute power over the world, they must remember that even Jesus Himself never pursued such a path.

Regardless of religion, politicians attend church services to garner votes. Seeing an article about a politician who appeared to be Christian but was actually deeply involved in Buddhism, using the church only as a means to achieve political success, left me heartbroken over the image of the church being exploited in this way.

The President of the United States is said to be a Christian, yet the news we hear (putting aside political concerns) seems to show a version of Christianity different from what we expect. This should prompt us to deeply reflect on what we, under the name of Christianity, have built and nurtured.

Nazirites lived a life of self-discipline and special choices to remain set apart. The standards were so strict and demanding that one might even feel relieved not to be a Nazirite. However, being a Christian and part of the church also requires certain commitments and strict standards, even if not to the same extent. Without these, we would struggle to provide a sincere answer to the question: Why are we Christians?

The late scholar Lee O-Ryoung once said, “The young grow old, and the old eventually die.” Lately, I have been reflecting deeply on this statement. Time does not walk alongside us; rather, it continuously establishes new lives as its masters. This means that nothing in this world can be held onto forever. However, the one thing we can hold onto eternally is walking with the Lord. If we remember this well and live humbly before life, we will be able to express the essence of Christianity to the world in a way that inspires awe.

The world has changed, and the reason this change feels unfamiliar to us is because our life is not invested in it. No matter how much the world shifts, the hope of God's kingdom remains unchanging for us. Therefore, instead of being swayed by the world, we should focus on sacrificing ourselves for what is truly needed at the heart of it. This is the calling we have received, and through it, we can reveal the essence of Christianity.

Reflection

Think deeply about the meaning of being set apart.What is the relationship between the world and yourself?

Intercessory Prayer

• Park Yoo-jin JibSanim's father is in the ICU with sepsis. Although the virus has been detected and he is undergoing treatment, his body is weak due to concurrent chemotherapy. Please support them with your prayers.

• This Sunday, we will be sharing a message about the Prodigal Son.

• After the service, we will have a church-wide cleaning session—please join us!