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SAMSON (III)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Judges 13:15-23

Genesis 18:1-15

 

“Is any thing too hard

for the LORD?”

 

SAMSON (III)
 
Manoah’s conversation with the angel was quite different from the conversation that his wife had with the angel. The reason for the distinction rests in the reason that “Manoah knew not that he was an angel of the LORD” (Judg 13:16). His attention was directed towards this “stranger” who bore such glad tidings and news of a blessing they had longed for. This conversation also reveals the grace and patience God shows to His children who are ignorant of Him as He brings them to the knowledge of His will.
 
“…I pray thee, let us detain thee, until we shall have made ready a kid for thee” (Judg 13:15). Manoah makes a request to prepare a meal, but he was ignorant of how to serve God. To his request, instruction was given on how he ought to perform acceptably. Motive is never sufficient reason for service to be accepted. There has to be added to motive, obedience to the revealed will of God. All of Manoah’s effort and preparation would be fruitless unless it was in accordance to God’s Word and instruction.
 
“…What is thy name, that when thy sayings come to pass we may do thee honour?” (Judg 13:17). Manoah asked a question that remained unanswered, yet the angel gave him understanding. What is necessary to be known, will be rewarded with an answer; what is not to be known will not be answered. What they needed to know in order to fulfil their duty and responsibility was confirmed to him. Manoah went on to bring a burnt offering and offered it to the LORD, and in their sight the identity of their visitor was revealed as the angel “ascended in the flame of the altar” (Judg 13:20).
 
“…We shall surely die, because we have seen God” (Judg 13:22). As Manoah bemoaned his ignorance, we are taught the value of having godly companionship. In the midst of his fears, he was encouraged by his wife. His wife used sensible reasoning. She showed that she had paid attention and taken to heart all the events of the day, and that from what the LORD had revealed, she found strength and courage and comfort.
 
THOUGHT: (Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.)

PRAYER: Grant us grace to abide by Thy will, Father.

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