The cycle of sin continued with the Israelites and this time, the Philistines ruled them for 40 years. This time, God sent an angel to a childless couple from the tribe of Dan, Monoah and his wife. The angel proclaimed that they will have a son and that he was to be kept apart for God's use. He was to be a Nazirite and God was going to use him to deliver the nation. As a Nazirite, Samson was not to cut his hair, touch a dead body nor drink any alcohol so that he was consider holy to serve God.
To prepare for his ministry ahead, even Monoah's wife had to refrain from eating anything that comes from the grapevine, nor drink any wine or other fermented drink nor eat anything unclean. She must do everything the angel had commanded her as obedience was a pre-requisite.
Monoah asked for the name of the angel but was denied an answer. There is something that we can learn from this.
It is interesting to note that Samson, being a Nazirite, would want to marry a pagan woman. This is especially so given the historical issues recorded regarding the consequences of such an union. Still Samson persisted and his father relented. But all this was in the plan of God for Israel's deliverance.
Major Verses
13:17-19 - Manoah wanted to know the angel's name but he was denied. The angel said that he would understand the name. Manoah offered a burnt and a grain offering to God, signifying his willingness to honor and serve the Lord.
What I learn
At that time, people believed that if they knew some one's name, then they will also know his character and hence knew how to control the person. The angel did not want to give his name so as not to allow Manoah to have a chance to control him. Besides, the angel said that his name was a mystery beyond Manoah's understanding. Sometimes when God does not give an answer to some of our questions, He is not saying no but rather, it is because the answer is beyond our ability to understand or accept. We must learn to trust Him completely, even if our questions are unanswered. Manoah did that and signify his position by giving a burnt and grain offering to the Lord and in doing so, God show His power by making the angel rise with the flame.
13:25 - The Spirit of God stirred Samson as he grew up.
What I learn
God stirs in our heart desires that will fulfill His plan. When we are stirred by the Holy Spirit, let's be open and ask God to help us trust Him completely and move towards fulfilling His will and plan in our life.
14:1-4 -Samson was working within the plan of God to marry the Philistine woman, knowingly or otherwise. Verse 4 tells us that this action gave a reason for Samson to confront the Philistines eventually.
What I learn
We may not fully understand everything that the Lord has planned. Though it seemed that Samson should know better not to marry a pagan, God's bigger plan was in action. Samson was dedicated and set apart for God's work and he rightfully followed God's prompting even to break traditions to want to marry the Philistine woman against his parents' wishes. Let's not judge a person's action on the surface and by our own value system. Consider praying for and with such a person instead.
Summary
God is in control all the time. He can use any one who is willing to be used to accomplish his plan. Samson, though set apart before birth to serve God, seemed to have been less of a Nazirite by some of the things that he had done. But all were within God's plan to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines.
Up Next ...
Samson fell for the prostitute Delilah and finally succumbed to the Philistines...what happened? Let's discuss this next Monday...
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 2004, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages . God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].
ReplyDeletePEACE BE WITH YOU
MICKY
Micky
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sharing. Indeed, the Lord is loving and He is good all the time.
I pray that you will continue to walk intimately with Him and be an instrument that He can use to share the good news to those who have yet to know Him.
God bless you.
Steven