Wandering Resistance - SERMON NOTES

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. To listen to the sermon, click the link above.

Intro: (1) v.1-2 →”temporary separation from normal life to be devoted to God in a special way” (cf. monks, Lent, prayer services) (2) “wander” vs. “wander”

The Vow
1. Alcohol (3-4): (1) anything with grapes (2) wine a symbol of joy in ancient world (3) vineyards a picture of settlement in land (cf. Deut. 6-8) (4) fermentation (5) stricter than rule for priests (6) how does what I consume reflect on who God is?
2. Hair (5): (1) no cutting of hair (2) living part of body, signifying one’s life (3) picture of releasing control (4) most physically evident aspect of vow (5) how does my treatment of my body and my physical appearance reflect who God is? (6) this would not have looked good
3. Corpses (6-9): (1) no contact with dead bodies → ritual impurity (2) additional requirement of family members → most extreme aspect (3) v.9 → even applied to emergencies (4) equal to high priest (5) when/where/how might family be an idol for you?

The Point
1. Pilgrimage: (1) the vow pointed to temporary residence → danger of settling in the land, getting there too fast (2) ways this can look → comfort, accumulating stuff, vocational/financial success, ambition, resting on laurels, retirement (3) minimalism vs. wartime (4) Mark 8:34-36
2. Holiness: (1) ideal picture for Israel (cf. Samson, Samuel, JtB) (2) points to need for Jesus (3) Jesus separated unto God INTERNALLY → stronger than Nazirite defilements (cf. first miracle, touched corpses) (4) dangers of Pharisaism, need for self-examination (cf. Paul) → d/w/m/a rhythm
3. Commitment: (1) what is your happiness connected to → health, future dream, scrolling on social media (2) are you willing to NOT be in control → expectations connected to job, family, culture (3) is your life distinctive → humor, news, spending habits, sexuality

Conclusion: beast games