Liv
Extracts of Truth & Encouragement from a Growth Journey with God
Blessings: You Get and You Give
He had just left for a two-week long missions trip to another continent. The weeks leading up to my husband’s departure were excruciating, internally. There was SO much spiritual warfare going on; I could feel it, like a thick, heavy fog settling in. I knew it was God’s calling for him to go, yet there were warning signs the Spirit of God had given me that alerted a lot of emotions within.
I decided to journal each day while he was gone. I began by listing the things I missed about him; he’s my best friend, and being unable to communicate with him often was going to be quite an adjustment. I followed that list with a number of things I was praying for that day, which led to my time in prayer. I only formatted it that way for two days before the LORD reformatted my heart! On the third day, I still wrote what I missed, but I quickly followed it with what I was thankful for that day. My prayer requests followed, as well as my time in prayer. It was amazing how writing out and thinking through the blessings God had given me that day changed my perspective, not only in prayer, but in how I approached each day, looking for God’s hand, moment by moment. They were not always happy blessings; some were hard struggles, but I was seeing how He was providing and purposing them. I didn’t always see them right at first, yet He was faithful in revealing Himself and my continued need for depending on Him.
Think about the blessings you’ve been given. What or whom would you include?
We’re at the end of Judges 13, which we have looked at closely, piece by piece. Today, we’re focusing on the LORD’s blessings.
“…and the LORD blessed him.”
Judges 13:24c
If you look at the previous portion of this verse, you can see that the one whom the LORD is blessing is Samson. To receive a blessing from the LORD is to get a benefit from Him, as one is considered in a favorable (or more favorable) position.
The verse that follows talks about one of the LORD’s blessings…
“and the Spirit of YHWH begins to move him in the camp of Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.”
Judges 13:25 LSV
We talked last post about the Spirit of God, rushing upon Samson with His supernatural, decisive, controlled energy to wage a war of judgment on the Philistines. When He did this, the ropes Samson was tied with melted away…they vanished (Judges 15:14), or he snapped them in two like a thread (Judges 16:12)! When we see, in Judges 13:25, that the Spirit of God moved Samson in the camp, the Hebrew word for “moved” means to all of a sudden push him in a specific direction, urging him to do something specific.
Samson’s dad was of the tribe of Dan; he was from Zorah (Judges 13:2). We see, in Verse 25, that Samson was at an encampment of the Danites, located near Zorah. So, it’s fairly safe to say he was “at home” there…in location and with his tribe…until the Spirit of God made it clear that the time was right, and He wanted Samson to move. Leaving home may not have looked like a blessing to Samson, but the presence and power of the One True God moving him in a specific direction to do something specific WAS!
Are you being (or have you been) moved by God to do something specific…and/or in a specific direction? I could fill post after post of the times He has moved me, whether it was to my knees, to say the words He was welling up inside me, to another state, to a different job, to a point of dependency at His feet…
Where is the Spirit of God moving you?
It may not seem like a blessing at first, as my husband leaving on the missions trip didn’t feel so much so for me, given the warnings; however, God moved me to a place of trust and dependency on Him. I had plenty of opportunities before to trust and depend on Him, but nothing like that experience led me to; and I learned how to bless Him for that time in my life.
When you think of blessings, do you think of what you are getting…or have received?
Or do you think of what you have given or are giving to God?
The Hebrew word used for “bless” in Judges 13:24 not only means to get a benefit from God; it also means for us to adore Him…with bent knees in worship or submission, to praise and honor Him. We’ve seen, through Chapter 13, how God had a purpose for Samson before he was conceived; He was foreshadowing His Son, a Wonder, through him and was showing Himself through Samson to others when His Spirit moved him. While things in our lives may not make sense to us, seem right or fair, or even be clear to us, there is a purpose; we may be on a journey, leading us to a place of trust and dependency on Him…the likes we’ve never seen.
- What is your favorite way to worship God?
- Have you ever knelt before the King of Kings (either physically or figuratively, by laying down your pride, agenda, control, etc.)?
I can’t wait to hear your story as you show A Wonder your adoration!!
Wow! He’s Grown!
The soft whine entered my ears, waking me from a restful sleep. I heard our puppy, letting me know he needed to go out. I looked down at him, and it almost knocked me back! It was positively visible how much taller he had gotten overnight! As I played Fetch with him later that morning, I admired his muscular rear legs and growing, strong girth. It’s amazing to me how much he has grown in six weeks!
Today, we’re going to dig into the next part of the verse we looked at last post.
“…The boy grew…”
Judges 13:24b BSB
I know! Pretty exciting, right?!? I promise; there is more in here than meets the eye, at first.
The boy referred to here is Samson, the son promised to Manoah and his wife by the Angel of the LORD. As you can see, God kept His promise, as He always does, and Samson grew.
The Hebrew word for “grew,” here, is “gadal” (pronounced gaw-dal’). It’s a verb that means that the child grew up, but it also can mean “twist a cord; make strong, become strong.” It’s interesting to think on this for a bit. Samson was a very strong man, as God had plans to begin delivering Israel through him. Unfortunately, he grew to rely on his physical strength, instead of depending solely on God and His mighty power.
Isn’t it fitting that a rope, a symbol of strength, was, actually, what was used to bind Him, like chains? However, when the Spirit of God rushed upon him with His supernatural, decisive, controlled energy to wage a war of judgment on the Philistines, the ropes melted away…they vanished (Judges 15:14), or he snapped them in two like a thread (Judges 16:12)! This kind of power is available to us, when we depend on God; His power has no limits! Yet, Samson let people and his pride distract him from his purpose. In a weak moment, when he gave in to temptation and let himself be in a compromising situation, he didn’t depend solely on God. He said, “I will go out, as at other times, and shake myself free” (Judges 16:20 ASV). Who’s he depending on? Himself!
I’ve researched and written pieces of this post on and off over the past couple days. It was God’s timing and so fitting that today (before I could finish this post), I was the one in a situation. A dear friend, whom God graciously put in my path and used greatly and intentionally, offered her time, her ear, and the wisdom she has from God. During my conversation with her, God removed the scales from my eyes and revealed that people and pride were distracting me from doing what was right in God’s eyes. In a moment of temptation, I had allowed words to flow from my mouth that weren’t dependent solely on Him. How thankful I am that, unlike Samson’s situation, where the LORD left him after his disobedience (Judges 16:20), the LORD drew near to me, as a Father does with a child in need of correction; this is only possible because of Christ Jesus’ payment for my sin and my acceptance of it, becoming a child of God! After repenting, the LORD has melted off my chains (my sin) and has led me to obedience! It’s so freeing, yet the experience was necessary to expose my sin! Growing pains…not always fun, but fruitful!!
Is there anything that has you bound…anywhere you aren’t depending only on God? Take some time to ponder this one. If there is, forgiveness is available, and growth is waiting; I know this well!
Other meanings of the word “gadal” that are from a similar verb tense are “become great, to be magnified.”
“But may all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation say continually, ‘Great is the LORD!’”
Psalm 40:16 ESV
The word for “great,” here, is the exact same word used to describe Samson growing up! Other translations of this verse say, “The LORD be magnified!” To magnify something is to make it bigger, to intensify, or deepen. Wasn’t this what Samson was doing as a strong man? Wasn’t he making God big to people? Wasn’t he showing them His power? Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do? Shouldn’t we intensify Who He is to others, broadening or deepening their knowledge of Him?
How are we doing with that responsibility?
I needed a loving God today to graciously guide me, through a trusted friend, to lead me back to this purpose; He powerfully showed up!!
“…and you said, “Behold, Yahweh our God has shown us His glory and his greatness, and we have heard His voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God does speak with man, and he lives.”
Deuteronomy 5:24 WEB
Amen! The Hebrew word for “greatness,” used in this verse, “godel,” was formed from “gadal,” which we spoke of earlier. Godel is a noun. It reminds me of “A Wonder,” a noun, a name of Jesus, which we have touched on for many posts. Calling Him “A Wonder” is a different way of looking at it than we often hear, as many use that noun as an adjective, calling Him “wonderful.” Greatness, this noun, is Who the LORD, Yahweh, is! It speaks to His magnificence! In history, a ruler or one who is honorable, well-known, and of prominent reputation would be called, “His Magnificence!” This is one of God’s names! This is Who Samson was to serve…Who Samson’s life was foreshadowing…Whom we are to make bigger, celebrate with praises, and increase the knowledge of Him to those we come in contact with!! Let’s remember our purpose!
All glory to His Magnificence!!!
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?
What or Whom Do We Fear?
“If you do well, will you not be accepted?…”
Genesis 4:7a NKJV
Have you ever looked at what you’ve done and felt like you didn’t measure up? Truth is, we all have, ’cause truth is, we all don’t measure up…to God’s standards. Thank the LORD for Jesus, Who bridged that gap between us and the Father, so we could be made right with Him!
Last post, we looked at the above verse.
“This verse is referring to our making the right decisions, according to what God thinks is right, not according to others! This is also an absolute word, in the original text, so we’re to look at our decisions as a whole, not just isolated instances.”
Excerpt From “Take a Look in the Mirror” Post, Published on 1.23.21, taylorbaumliv.com
If we look at Judges 13:22, we see that Manoah was, probably, focused on the holiness of God and the whole of his life decisions, as he realized he and his wife had come face to face with God! That can be a pretty scary thought! He said to his wife they, for sure, would die! Is it good that he was aware of God’s presence and responded with fear and respect? Absolutely! We know in Exodus 33:20, the LORD said, “You are unable to see My face, for man does not see Me and live” (LSV). Yet, sometimes we get so zoned in on His holiness and our sin, that we miss the previous verse (Exodus 33:19 LSV), “and He says, ‘I cause all My goodness to pass before your face, and have called concerning the Name of YHWH before you, and favored him whom I favor, and loved him whom I love.’ ” When we don’t look at the whole truth, we can believe a lie that the LORD, YHWH, doesn’t have the power to make His goodness pass before our face, be gracious to those He wants to be gracious to, and love those He, indeed, loves.
Take a look at Manoah’s wife’s reply. I love it! She heard her husband’s response, confirmed to him she was listening to what he said, yet drew his attention to the whole Truth.
“…If the LORD had desired to kill us, He would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands, nor would He have shown us all these things, nor would He have told us such things as these at this time.”
Judges 13:23 NKJV
The fact was…their offerings weren’t commanded to be given; they gave them freely, from their hearts, out of a desire to communicate with the LORD, have a relationship with Him, show Him their thankfulness, honor, excitement, and, ultimately, please Him. The LORD was pleased with them; He accepted their offerings! So, why would He kill them?
If you take either of these thoughts and separate them, a lie could be bought.
- “God is so holy (which is Truth), but I’m not (this is true, if we are separated from Christ, but not true, if we have accepted Him as our sin sacrifice and received the Father’s forgiveness); therefore, God would never love someone like me (not true). Look what I’ve done (or not done)!”
- “Look at everything I’ve done! I have served well! Look at my amazing faith! It’s THAT kind of faith God wants, and He obviously has looked on me with favor and shared His insights with me (seated in pride)!”
Thankfully, we have a good example in Manoah’s wife of how to not look from a vantage point of comparison OR pride, but how to look at the whole and focus on Truth.
We aren’t intended to sit idly by, thinking we have a “free pass” because of Jesus’ sacrifice. We DO need to act! This is obvious, if you’ve read previous posts about Manoah and his wife, yet what we need to remember is that it’s because of our ultimate sacrifice, Jesus Christ, that the Father is pleased with us, forgives us, and accepts us. It’s because of what Jesus has done for us that we don’t sit idle, but want to actively show our gratitude and live for God.
So, where are you?
- Are you afraid the weight of what you’ve done exceeds the weight of His glory and holiness? Do you feel you’re unforgivable OR maybe not worth much?
- Are you afraid you don’t measure up? Are you measuring your worth by your actions (what you’ve done for or to yourself, other people, the church, or God Himself)?
- Are you living in confidence and looking at Jesus and His ultimate work, which proves the worth He sees in you? Do you see unholy actions you’ve done as forgiven because of Christ’s sacrifice? Is what you do intended to thank and serve Him? Do you see your value in Him and want to, therefore, physically, emotionally, and spiritually do what He created you to do?
Because of our faith in Jesus, which leads to our living out His character as a Light to others who live in fear, the Father shows us acceptance, forgiveness, and will show and tell us things that the Spirit of God, because of our faith in God, prepares us for. Now, THAT’S a Show and Tell I get excited about…not one that showcases me, but what HE has done and is doing through me!
Take a Look in the Mirror
It was the…I don’t know (I lost count)…time that I told him, “No,” and redirected him to something he could have. My patience was getting exercised, for sure! Our puppy is growing quickly and has found that it’s pretty easy for him to get what’s on our end tables! I kept taking things off the end table to “puppy-proof” it, as I realized what he was now capable of reaching. Unfortunately, it was too late for a creation our son had made a few years ago in school, and a crocheted coaster our daughter had just learned to make was the newest target. He also thought it was fun to find out what was in that clear glass! Thankfully, it was just water, as he knocked the glass onto the wood floor, and water went everywhere! I was so annoyed that he continued and continued to do the opposite of what I was saying! I had told him, “No!” and showed him what was good for him. Why did he keep doing what he shouldn’t?! Later that day, after I picked up the kids from school, some other discussions took place between humans. It was like déjà vu!! Why was no one listening to my instruction?!?
That particular day, I was extremely frustrated…when the LORD gently reminded me to look in the mirror; I do the same thing!! It was like He was saying to me what He said to Cain in Genesis 4:7.
“If you do well, will your face not be cheerful? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.”
Genesis 4:7 NASB
This verse kept running through my mind. I don’t always choose the right thing to do, either, and how many times has my Father wished I would choose differently?!? He has shown me the best way, yet I continue to choose otherwise.
Let me be clear. This verse is not coming from a comparative view, where we think, “Well, I could have done _____, and I didn’t, so, at least, I made a decent choice,” “Did you see what they did?!? I’m not that bad!” or “Are you for real?!? You know what they did to me, right?!? They had that comin’ to ’em!” This verse is referring to our making the right decisions, according to what God thinks is right, not according to others! This is also an absolute word, in the original text, so we’re to look at our decisions as a whole, not just isolated instances.
Then, there are the days like just now, as I’m typing this, that our puppy wakes up from his nap, comes up to the couch where I’m sitting, eyes the spot next to me (where he knows he’s not allowed, but has jumped up there several times already today), and puts one paw on the couch; I tell him, “No,” and gently guide him back to all fours on the floor. He sits and looks longingly at me; I get down on the floor with him and give him lots of praise and lovin’! I’m so proud of him for listening the first time! Then, he walks over to the chair, where, again, he has decided to plop himself several times today, where he knows he’s not allowed (he has a number of soft blankets and a very plush bed, but his desire for where we sit overwhelms him, at times), yet, this time, he looked at the chair for a moment and passed it! I was ecstatic, and he knew it! He made the right choice, and I was so pleased; this made his tail just wag like crazy!
There are also the days when our kiddos come home, know what they need to do, and they do it without being asked or guided. One might even give me the itinerary of homework for the evening in preparation for the next day. In those moments, I know they are maturing and choosing well, and I am so proud of them!
Did you notice what the verse implies will happen if you make morally right choices?
There are a number of meanings, here, including acceptance, forgiveness, facial expressions being lifted up, and being and looking happier and more optimistic!
And if you don’t make morally right choices?
Sin, which is doing the wrong thing, according to God’s view of wrong; making a mistake/error; or missing the mark (the way God has intended for us to live in order to bring Him glory here on earth), will lay down there at the entrance or door of your soul (your mind, will, and feelings). It’s at home there; it will make it its home. Any decision that tries to make its way out of you, any thought that makes its way in, any desire that arises goes through it as a filter; it wants to control you.
The goal here is to not let these thoughts go unchecked at the door of our minds, stand firm in our desire to serve God, not sin/Satan, and not act out of the emotions that initially raise their heads from a slumber. Take a look in the mirror. What expressions are you wearing? Are you visibly different, because you know you are honoring God with all of your will, thoughts, and emotions?
Whoo! This speaks to me, as the concept has over the last couple years…especially the thoughts and emotions part.
Does it speak to you?
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
Wonder–Going Up?
I looked up in the sky as I drove out of the school parking lot one morning this past week. It was beautiful, filled with light blues and variegated pinks. Sugary stretched clouds were pulled across the sky. It was the most perfect cotton candy sky I had ever seen! I wish I could have captured the view in a photo for you, but since I was driving, it was better for all that I just watched and admired!
Do you remember how we talked about the word “offer,” in Judges 13:16, meaning “to go up, rise” (check out the post, “Wonder–Where is the Focus of Your Offering,” if you haven’t had a chance to read that one, yet)? In Verse 16, it was referring to the flame and the smoke from a burnt offering, as the entire animal, besides the skin, was to be consumed in the fire (Leviticus 1); this kind of offering was a “soothing or pleasing aroma to the LORD” (Leviticus 1:9). The same Hebrew word used for “offer” (“alah”) was also used for “shall come” earlier in the same chapter, in Verse 5, referring to a razor not coming on, or being used on, the child as a way of offering him to God’s service. What excites me is this same word is used other times in this chapter, as well, which we are going to look at today.
Last post, we touched on the fact that Manoah brought a grain offering in addition to a goat for a burnt offering. Today, we see the word “alah,” or “offer,” again, as Manoah offered both offerings on the rock to the LORD. Remember, Manoah still didn’t know that the Angel of the LORD, Whom he had been communicating with, was Who He was, yet the Angel of the LORD decided to show Manoah and his wife, while they were watching the offerings burn, how much of A Wonder He was by what He could (and can) do!
In the post “Wonder–Where is the Focus of Your Offering?” we saw how the Angel of the LORD told Manoah to still “prepare” something, as your text might read, which means “do, make” in the original text. It’s an action, rather than just sitting there, doing nothing. Yet the focus of the action, in Verse 16, was different for Manoah, since he didn’t know Who the Angel of the LORD was; the focus of his action (offering) was directed to the LORD. We touched on the point that to “offer” the burnt offering to the LORD is to communicate with the LORD…to have a relationship with Him.
In Verse 19, we see the other side of the relationship (the Angel of the LORD) doing the action…to communicate something more to Manoah and His wife! The same Hebrew word for “prepare” (meaning “do, make”) in Verse 15, “asah,” is the same word used to say “performed” or “did” in Verse 19! In Verse 15, Manoah was the one preparing the offering…doing the action…communicating. In Verse 19, the Angel of the LORD is the One performing a wondrous thing…a jaw-dropping action, communicating something extraordinary!
What I love about this is that it shows us that our relationship with the LORD is not just a one-way street; we aren’t the ones being expected to do all the work, and neither is He! It’s an exchange. As we, most likely, know too well, many relationships have died that are one-sided. There are many who offer and offer to immobile gods who can’t move or do anything for the one who is offering; yet, the LORD God is active, present, works on our behalf, and accomplishes His will! He communicates with us, and we often hear Him more clearly when we offer and communicate our dedication to Him.
So, as the flame of the fire went up (yup, this is yet another use of the same Hebrew word, “alah”) toward the sky from the altar, the Angel of the LORD ascended (you guessed it…”alah,” again!) in the flame!!! Can you imagine?!? The man you were just talking with just goes up in the air…and not just that; He went up in a flame! That’s not a David Copperfield moment; that’s our wonder-working God!! No wonder Manoah and His wife fell on their faces on the ground when they saw Him do this! They literally fell flat on the ground with their faces down, as they submitted to and respected Him. When they lifted their faces, and the Angel of the LORD no longer caused them to see Him, it finally hit Manoah Who the Angel of the LORD was!
- Are you in a point in your life where you’re wondering where God is? If so, could He be showing Himself to you, yet you are attributing His hand at work and/or His presence as something else…or someone else? Is your life an offering up to the LORD, welcoming His presence?
- Maybe you’ve seen Him. How are you responding? What do you need to submit to Him today out of respect to Him, bowing down and handing it over?
Wonder–The Additional Offering
I had no idea what it was. All I saw was brown to my left, felt something powerful hit the driver’s side front of my car, saw a dark shadow right in front of me, and my car came to an immediate stop from a speed of 55 mph. A woman opened my door and asked if I was alright. Looking back, I could have been more audibly thankful, when she opened the door, showing my gratitude for her stopping and expressing her concern for how I was, but all my shocked brain could process was, “What hit me?!?” She proceeded to tell me that a deer (an 8-point buck) was attempting to cross the road and ran into the side of my car! I learned later that the buck flipped up, after hitting the side of my car, and landed on my windshield/top of my car before flying off onto the side of the road. Later, I took in the locations of the damage, including the portion of the windshield that broke through into the vehicle’s interior; the broken windshield piece was right in front of my face in the shape of a triangle with the point facing down (the point was located precisely between my two arms, which were at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel). I replayed the accident in my mind over and over and saw clearly God’s hand of provision and protection. There was my driver’s side visor that came down between the broken piece of windshield and my face, where the deer hit the top and side of my car, that the antlers or body didn’t protrude into the car, among others; they screamed God’s care of me. I could’ve easily died, but He had a purpose, yet, for me. My heart was and still is overwhelmed, and my gratitude to Him continues to fill my soul to the full, as I remember!
We took a break last post from our deep-dive into Judges 13. Today, we’ll continue our dive, beginning in Verse 19.
We already know Manoah was prepared to offer a goat in order to honor the Angel of the LORD, even though he didn’t know Who He was. We see in today’s passage that Manoah still offered the goat after the Angel of the LORD declined to eat it, but rather suggested that Manoah offer the goat as a burnt offering. As we touched on in the “Wonder–Where is the Focus of Your Offering?” post (if you have time, take a peek at that post for a better reference), Manoah shifted the focus of his offering to the LORD!
Wouldn’t we do as well to change our actions when someone calls us out on a pendulum shift that is necessary in our lives?!?
Is there anyone or anything the LORD has been using to make you aware of a shift He would like to make in your life? If so, are you listening? Maybe you are hearing, but fighting, the message…
What I love about this is…not only does Manoah shift his focus of the offering to the LORD, as the Angel of the LORD suggested, and offered the goat as a burnt offering, but he adds to his heart-felt offering a grain offering. A grain offering often followed a burnt offering. This kind of offering was different than a burnt offering. A burnt offering required blood (a foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice, freely offering His blood for our sins, so we could have fellowship with God the Father); a grain offering was…grain (no blood was present; this was to display one’s pure dedication and thankfulness to the LORD). A grain offering was considered by the LORD to be “a most holy offering of the offerings to the LORD made by fire (Leviticus 2:3).”
“A grain offering was “a most holy offering of the offerings to the LORD made by fire.”
Leviticus 2:3
A priest took a memorial portion from the overall grain offering, which was then burnt by fire on the altar as a memorial. The rest of the grain offering was given to the priests. Not only was this offering given to the LORD as a beautiful display of thanks from one, dedicating oneself to worshipping the LORD, but it was also a display of God’s provision, as the offering was shared with the priests (whose job it was to perform the offerings and sacrifices). The grain offering that was given to the priests gave the priests bread and oil to meet their physical needs!
What’s awesome about this, as well, is that Scripture says the memorial portion was a part offered as a reminder or remembrance of what the LORD had done for them; this portion was burnt by fire on the altar and “was a sweet aroma to the LORD (Leviticus 2:2)!” The Hebrew word for “sweet” here actually means “restful, quieting, soothing.” You could think of it as when you’ve done something for someone, and they’re so touched and thankful, that they sent you to a spa to say, “Thanks!” Yeah! While this may have never happened to us, it’s that kind of restful, quieting, soothing that you can relate to, if you’ve ever been to one. Isn’t that a wonder to think about?!? The LORD, Who designed you, loves you enough to not only send His Son to fulfill the need for a burnt offering in order for you to have a relationship with the Father, but He rests in the soothing sound of your thankfulness, finds quiet fulfillment and peace in your dedication to Him, and made it all possible through the death and resurrection of His Son! He soaks in your thankfulness and your desire to be devoted to His purpose for you! I just think that’s beautiful, and it makes me want to dedicate my life to Him even more and look for every way I can to choose gratefulness…all to give Him that pleasing, quiet, soothing rest that comes from knowing His creation is doing what she was created to do. It helps us better wrap our minds around how the addition of this grain offering showed the state of Manoah and his wife’s hearts even more and how much the addition of it pleased the LORD!
What are you thankful for? How has God provided for you?
Is there an area of your life you have not devoted to His purpose for you…that you’re still hanging on to what you want?
A grain offering could be made publicly or privately. If the answers to these questions is just between you and God, please take the time to have that raw, private conversation with Him. If not, feel free to publicly share His goodness by replying or commenting to this post. All glory goes to Him!
Liv 