A Few Lessons From Samson’s Parents | Grace & Truth, Inc

Family – May 2016 – Grace & Truth Magazine

A FEW LESSONS FROM
Samson’s Parents

In Judges 13:2-23 we read that the Angel of the L ORD appeared to Samson’s mother, who was barren, and announced to her that she would soon bear a son. The boy was to be “a Nazarite to God from the womb,” set apart for Him. It is very interesting to find that the L ORD prescribed the way this mother had to act, a way suitable to the call of the child she was waiting to deliver (v.4). She was to beware of the same things which her son was to avoid later.

What a lesson for young Christian mothers! How can we raise children for the Lord in separation from the world if we are not separated from it ourselves? This is to be observed not only when the children are growing up, but even before they are born.

Manoah, told by his wife of the Angel of the LORD’s visit, begs God to come again and teach them how they should raise the child who was to be born. How blessed it is for Christian parents to ask the Lord to direct and prepare them for the task ahead as they wait for an unborn child to arrive and cheer their family life. It is not wise to wait until problems and difficulties (which are sure to come up) arise during the years of training a growing son or daughter. It is far better to be taught beforehand by the Lord through acquaintance with the principles of His work, and to allow these principles to be applied to ourselves in order that the expected child may be truly brought up for Him.

When Manoah brought a burnt offering and grain offering and offered them up to the LORD upon the rock, something marvelous occurred. As Manoah and his wife watched the flame go up from off the altar, the Angel of the LORD ascended in the flame toward the heavens. Let us pause a moment with them as their eyes beheld (in type, of course) the work of Christ, His sacrifice and elevation into glory. Together they considered and together they worshiped.

Happy is the home where young parents have readily sought the face of the Lord in prayer together, have worshiped and given thanks together, and have prepared themselves for the task that lies before them by separating unto the Lord and from the world.

By G. Andre (adapted)