Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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You are Capable
Judges 13: 1-7
 
v5“You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines” 

Judges to many is seen as a book of heroes, therefore speaking of Samson’s story within is no surprise. The judges were leaders of God to guide and mature the Israelites during a time where they didn’t have much of an identity. The judges here were characters of Faith, though the Israelites necessarily were not. We see time and time again throughout scripture, an Angel or a vision appearing to someone, bringing them good news. Here we see Manoah’s wife, who comes from a line of barren women have a similar experience.
 
The messenger of the Lord appears to her, and the promise of a son is given. Manoah’s wife understood the provisions given by the Angel, she was in awe of what had occurred. This son we know is soon to be, Samson. The most important take away from this passage is how the mother of Samson took the news, it was so clear she had a heart for the Lord. “Of all the characters in Judges 13-16, an unnamed woman bears the closest relationship to God and models the behavior that God wills for God’s people throughout the book of Judges—attentiveness to God’s word and a distinctive lifestyle that sets one apart from other nations and their destructive ways” (Clinton McCann, Judges, p. 96).
 
Though many Israelites then did not look to the Lord, were not attentive to His Word, and lived a life pleasing to their selves, Manoah’s wife shows a character that all should follow. She submits her life to the Lord’s sovereign plan. She is amazed that after generations of women not being able to have children in her family, God had chosen her to do something she thought was impossible. It shows her excitement for God to do the good work through her and a life of true submission!


PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for the example of Manoah’s wife you have given us to look to, to study, and to grow with. Lord I pray we practice having an attentive heart and submit ourselves to you even when we think we are uncapable, God you make us fully capable to do your will. Thank you for your love for us. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
When we think we are incapable, God may surprise us. Submit everything to Him and he will bless you abundantly.
 
Lexine Varughis
(Chicago Mar Thoma Church)

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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