‘The angel of the Lord appeared to her and said, “You are barren and childless, but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son.” – Judges 13:3 (NIV)
God’s call comes in unexpected places and times.
Israel was in a season of rebellion and oppression. There in the town of Zorah, about fourteen miles west of Jerusalem, from the tribe of Dan was a man named Manoah whose wife was childless. An angel appeared to this woman, announcing a birth with a special assignment (Judges 13:1-5). This mirrors Mary’s announcement when the angel appeared to her, announcing a birth with a special assignment (Luke 1). Some theologians believe this was no mere angel but Jesus Himself, as he appeared on a special mission to once more deliver the people of Israel.
By every measure, hope was dim for these people, but more so for Manoah and his wife. Yet God’s angel appeared to her with a promise of life and deliverance. This promise came as a great blessing to this woman, burdened by childlessness. The child to be born had a special assignment: he was to be a Nazirite to God from birth. This was a lifetime commitment. No razor was to come upon his head, and his parents also had restrictions: no strong drink and nothing unclean could be consumed in preparation for his birth, a deliverer for the people of Israel. Manoah’s wife also had to share in the Nazirite vow during the time she carried Samson.
Samson’s parents willingly accepted this assignment. Are you accepting God’s assignment over your life, over the life of your children? The call to be a parent/guardian comes with immense responsibility. His calling often comes when circumstances seem impossible. He steps into barren places – a womb, a dream, or a broken season – and declares His plan.
Don’t measure God’s calling by your current circumstances. The very place you see a lack may be the place God chooses to display His glory. As we reflect on these verses, God is calling each individual to live purposefully before Him. Will you trust Him to birth in you His assignment?
Prayer
Lord, help me to trust that You can birth something new in my life, even when I feel empty. Teach me to see Your possibilities beyond my limitations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Isaiah 43:19; Lamentations 3:22-23
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 98; 1 Corinthians 11:2-34; 2 Chronicles 7:11-22; 2 Chronicles 8; 2 Chronicles 9