Judges 13

Scripture

 

Judges‬ ‭13:12-13‬ ‭

 

“So Manoah asked him, “When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule that governs the boyʼs life and work?” The angel of the Lord answered, “Your wife must do all that I have told her.”
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Observation

 

The Israelites were doing evil again and as a result, they were in slavery at "the hands of the Philistines for 40 years (Vs. 1)." God, who is just, yet merciful at the same time, planned their deliverance through Samson. An angel of the Lord told Samson's mother that her son was going to "deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines (vs. 5), but she had a part to play in it. His mother had to follow these rules (vs. 7): 

1. No eating of unclean foods or drinking any wine or fermented drink.
2. No razor is to touch his head.
3. Their son had to be set apart to God.

 

Understanding

 

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” Psalm‬ ‭127:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 

Samson was a gift and blessing from God to his parents. Scripture says that they couldn't conceive and remained childless because Manoah's wife was sterile. But, God blessed them, not only with a son, but a son who was going to be Israel's deliverer. They had a huge role to play in Samson's fulfillment of HIs God given destiny.

 

Life Application

 

 “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs‬ ‭22:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We are responsible for raising our children up in the Lord and training them in righteousness. However, it starts with us first as their examples. Our choices makes an impact not only on us, but also our descendants after us. We must be pursuing righteousness and our lives must reflect obedience to the Lord; we must honor and respect God by choosing to be set apart from the world; we must choose to live lives of integrity; we must put Him first and teach our kids to do the same. Our calling as parents is huge. Whether it is our own kids or the kids He's given us spiritually to lead, we need His help with this great responsibility, as it is an impossible task without Him.

Dear Lord, I am reminded that You do not call us to a lazy/passive faith, but rather an active faith. As Your Word showed us, although Samson's destiny was great, his parents had a role in shaping that destiny. Please forgive me for the times when I don't take this calling seriously. You have blessed me with my children. They are truly gifts from You. I pray for Your constant help and wisdom as I raise them up. I pray that my choices would lead them to You and not away from You.  I desire them to fulfill Your calling for their life and with Your help, commit to doing my part in it. Amen.

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-Michelle Gaddi