Liv
Extracts of Truth & Encouragement from a Growth Journey with God
It’s a Boy!! What’s His Name?!?
For those of you who know us and are jumping to conclusions in your mind,…No, we’re NOT pregnant!! We’re, actually, going to talk about a name given to a particular baby boy and the name’s meaning.
Naming a child is always a big deal. Not only do you both want to like the name, how it sounds, etc., but the meanings are often considered.
My parents always do something special when we celebrate Christmas to help us focus on the story of Jesus’ birth. Years ago, my parents took turns, reading the meaning of each child’s and grandchild’s name and how his or her life reflected that meaning. Included in this reading was a prayer or dedication, of sorts, for their legacy/future, relating to God’s purpose for their lives. It was astounding to me to see how each one’s meaning, whether we all knew it or not when we named our kids, fit exactly with each one’s personality, temperament, and desires. God certainly directed the naming of each child, as He knew whom they would become and how they were designed.
We have been in and out of Judges 13 for a number of posts, now, and today’s the day! If you haven’t read the entire chapter already, you will finally hear who Manoah and wife’s promised son was. Most people know a good deal about the son, but maybe not as much about his parents. I hope we changed that, as we’ve deep-dived into their story over a couple months, now.
“The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson…“
Judges 13:24 NIV
We see that Manoah’s wife gave birth to a boy, like the Angel of the LORD said she would. It was never commanded what she was to name her son, but it is obvious that God directed the naming of him, too. Manoah’s wife named her son Samson, which means “sun,” “service,” and “deliverer of Israel,” which accurately displayed his purpose. This gets me all kinds of excited, as it is clear how intentional and purposeful God is. Take a look at the following verses and table; see what I mean.
“May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, ‘The LORD be magnified!’ But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my helper and deliverer; O my God, do not delay.”
Psalm 40:16-17 BSB
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield [defender/protector]. The LORD grants favor and honor; He does not withhold the good from those who live with integrity.”
Psalm 84:11 CSB
| ATTRIBUTES OF THE SUN | SAMSON | JESUS CHRIST |
| Shines light | Shone light on the power and wonder of God as well as the coming of Jesus, Who will, ultimately, finish delivering Israel. Samson only began to deliver them (Judges 13:5). | Is the Light of the world, shines in the darkness, and is the Light of life (John 8:12, 12:46). |
| Light can be magnified | God’s judgment, through Samson, increased knowledge of God’s power and A Wonder, Jesus Christ, the “…one… Judge…able to save and destroy” (James 4:12). | God the Father gave Jesus glory, which was magnified when He spoke, telling that Jesus was His Son (John 17:24 and 2 Peter 1:16-17). Jesus magnifies His Light through those who follow Him, which ultimately, glorifies the Father (Matthew 5:14-16). |
| God has given it a tent–“like a groom, coming out of his chamber,…like a strong man to run his course” (Psalm 19:4-5) | Was a groom; he married a Philistine woman. Seven days were spent after the marriage (considered the marriage feast) where he and his wife would stay at home and soak in the magnitude of the event of marriage by not doing any work, spending time together, and celebrating with family and friends. While it is uncertain how beaming he was after his wife cried for seven days about his not sharing the answer to his riddle with her and kept agitating him (Judges 14:1-17), he originally told his parents that she pleased him…that she was right for him, in his eyes (Judges 14:3). He was also a strong man (Judges 14:6, 15:15, as well as others). | His tent was his human body (2 Corinthians 5:1). His strength completes the necessary process in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). He strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). |
| Faithful (rises and sets every day in the same directions) | Samson, by the help of faith, was made strong in his weakness and overcame a kingdom (Hebrews 11:32-34). | He is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9). |
| Worshiped | Samson was devoted to God from the womb and created for God’s purpose of beginning to deliver Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:5). | Jesus, the Son of God, is worshiped by angels (Hebrews 1:2-6) and was worshiped by His followers (Matthew 14:33 and John 4:24). |
So, here are a few questions for you. I would love for you to comment, shining the light of Jesus on our Liv community and magnifying Him by increasing our knowledge of Him!
- Where have you seen Jesus’ strength and power?
- How has Jesus shown you His faithfulness?
- When have you experienced Jesus as your defender/protector?
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