Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Patience of God with our Questions

Up until this point in the book of Judges we haven’t received any childhood history of the judges. But that all changes in this chapter of Judges 13. Get ready for a good number of chapters about that long-haired hippy judge named Samson!

With the risk of sounding too general, I’m struck by the many questions Manoah needs to have answered, while his wife must confess to him that she neglected to ask the Angel his name or where he was from (verse 6)!

I’m not married or have had any boyfriends, but I have noticed on several team mission trips, that as we prepare for our journey, it is the men who are always asking the questions, wanting to know every possible detail. Whereas the women don’t seem to have the same thirst for knowledge about the small details of things.

Well, I don’t know if that is a true statement for all males and females or not, but it is certainly the case with Manoah and his wife!

And so, as Manoah bombards his wife with questions, he does the same to the Angel of the Lord (perhaps a Christophony [a pre-incarnate appearing of Christ]). And the oh-so-patient Lord bears with them all and even addresses them. Just like He did with Gideon.

We shouldn’t be afraid to ask the Lord questions and seek His counsel. Especially regarding the raising of children.

I’m also impressed by the reasoning of his wife. While Manoah fears for their lives (since it says that no one shall see God face to face and live) she is able to deduce that God in His mercy must be making an exception. Clinging to the promise that she was to conceive a son, it effect how she interpreted the circumstances around her.

Indeed His name is Wonderful!

O Lord God, may I seek Your face like Manoah when I need direction and answers. And may I, like his wife, reason through my fears with Your promises as the premises. Thank You for Your great patience!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Interesting observation about men & women re: needing to know all the details. I would be inclined to second that observation.

And as one who's prone to fearfulness, I would stand with you in that prayer. So often "common sense" is a socially-acceptable reason for not stepping out in faith!

Anonymous said...

By trying to meet with Lord every day and asking us to keep you accountable, you have created a reason for ME to read your blog and think about scripture. Your dedication and obedience is spilling out to those of us reading your blog. After a really bad day yesterday, I read your blog and felt centered and calmed. Thanks for sharing your growth and instigating mine ( :