🌿BREATHE TRUTH🌿
“When her son was born, she named him Samson. And the Lord blessed him as he grew up.” —Judges 13:22
🌿BELIEVE TRUTH🌿
In the Old and New Testament, very rare instances occur when God or the angel of God visits a family and announces they will have a miracle baby in their advanced years.
Children whose births are uniquely heralded by an angel include these little ones.
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Abraham was informed that Sarah would conceive an infant, Isaac, who would carry forth the patriarchal lineage.
Zechariah was told that Elizabeth would receive a bundle of joy, John the Baptist, whose message would precede Jesus.
Thus, in this male-centric culture, it isn’t surprising then that the dads, Abraham and Zechariah, are approached by the angel of the Lord about the babies their wives will have in the future.
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But what is unusual is the case regarding Samson’s mother. Her name isn’t mentioned. She is known only as Manoa’s wife. But the fact that the angel of the Lord appears to her about her miracle baby and not to her husband, Manoa, is significant.
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First, Samson’s mother encounters the angel of the Lord not once, but twice.
First time. Angel surprises mom. Second time. Angel pops up next to mom again. Early Mother’s Day present plus bonus flowers.
No mistake here. The angel’s meeting with Samson’s mother reflects the respect and regard God desires for her and for all mothers. Admiration and appreciation for all who receive the calling as a new mom. A confirmation of honor gifted and granted.
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Secondly, Samson’s mom is given the instructions of how to raise her child. Two directives.
Conditions.
Directions for infant care. Specifics of no wine or alcohol while baby is in utero and haircare management when older. Prenatal and postnatal care class 101, biblical times. Angel of God leads the class. Dear pupil, Samson’s mom, remember to take notes.
Calling.
Dedication to be set apart from birth for God. Check. Delivery of Israel from their prime nemesis, the Philistines. Check. No parent manual, but the Spirit of God will be enough.
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As life goes on, miracle kids grow up.
Isaac the Patriarch and John the Baptist follow faithfully after God. But Samson runs after a life of compromise despite all of God’s blessings upon him. He engages in behaviors that dishonor and destroy his relationship with God. He lusts after women who draw him away from God and dismantle his ministry.
Samson’s mother, the favored recipient of the angel’s announcement of her child’s conception and career, painfully watches her son self-destructs before God, before her people, and before her eyes.
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A parent of a lost son or daughter can relate to the Manoa family crisis. Sitting in the audience as the drama of Samson’s decisions spiral out of control. Witnessing the tragic scenes where Samson falls deeper and darker into sin, and faster and farther away from sanctification.
When Mother’s Day seems really far away. Samson’s mother had this to hold on to:
In advance, God planned out Samson’s birth and prepared his life’s goals. Even before Samson was born and after Samson was born. God continues to hold Samson’s life in His hands.
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For the parents who have a renegade child in rebellion: Samson’s mother and father have agonized over what you are enduring. Be encouraged that the milestones and mistakes occurring in your child’s life are still under the divine umbrella of God’s provision and purpose.
God has planned and prepared your child’s life lessons, livelihood, and life story before he was ever in your womb.
Trust that the beginning, middle, and ending chapters of your child’s history is securely held in the hands of the One who created and called him into the Real Truth.
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Copyright 2019