Judges 13
Judges 13 announces the birth of Samson, one of Israel’s leaders that could have been great. This is a great reminder that sin often writes a different story in our life than the story that God designed for us.
Based on the context, it seems that Samson’s parents were God-fearing people. They knew their religious routine and feared God as good Israelites were taught. Manoah and his wife demonstrate five actions that will help us grow as God-fearing individuals.
Look for God’s surprises in your life. Mrs. Manoah was barren and had no children. Other places in Scripture record a woman struggling with many emotions because she was barren. We don’t read that account here. As far as we can tell, she learned to be content with her circumstances. The angel of the Lord appeared to her and surprised her with the news of a child. I think we need to learn how to look for God’s surprises in our life more often. Many times, American Christians offer a solution and tell God to work out the details instead of looking to God’s already positioned solution.
Include those close to you in God’s activity. Verses 6-7 tell us about the conversation Mrs. Manoah had with her husband. God’s activity in her life was clear and concise. It was necessary and wise for her to share the surprise with her husband. We need to learn how to do the same thing. When I was growing up, our church regularly celebrated God moments in the church. We called them testimonies. In my years of vocational ministry, I have often reminded our church to celebrate the spiritual wins personally and corporately. We do not celebrate what God is doing around us often enough. We need this more for ourselves and each other!
Seek God’s mission for your children. In verse 12, Manoah asked God “what is to be the child’s manner of life, and what is his mission?” This was a good reminder for me to never stop praying for God’s mission for our children. We have tried to guide them to the cross through the years. We provide insight and wisdom consistently. We remind them to get alone with their Bible. They still need to make their own decisions. As we live out God’s mission in front of our children, they will develop an appetite to do the same thing. Never stop seeking God’s mission for your children.
Offer worship to God instead of parameters. In verses 15-20, Manoah wishes to detain the angel of the Lord so he can prepare a meal. God’s response is beautiful. I think Manoah tried to control the situation. When the angel of the Lord lovingly reminded him that God cannot be controlled, Manoah worshipped. How many times do we try to instruct God about our life? It doesn’t work so well, does it? I think it is important for us to remember Manoah’s initial desire was to control God and fell on his face before God in worship. It’s easy to seek control and forfeit worship. I want to worship God in the midst of circumstances more often.
Obedience births blessings. In verse 24, we read that the young Samson grew and the Lord blessed him. The word ‘grew’ here indicate physical development, but I want to remind us that spiritual growth brings blessings into our life. We ought to seek deeper spiritual development in our life. If you struggle to know your next step of growth, let’s talk. I love to help people grow in their walk with Jesus Christ.
Of course, seeking God’s mission for life will help you grow in the walk with Jesus. Let’s press forward together. The world needs missional Christians more than ever before.