Judges Chapters 13 - 14
The story of Manoah's wife is one of the most incredible stories in the Bible. It is a beautiful story that demonstrates the love and power of the God who we serve.
Manoah was the father of Samson. He married a woman who was sterile and childless. (Judges 13).
One day the angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah's wife and told her she would have a child.
Many Bible scholars believe that the term "the angel of the Lord" refers to the special appearances of Jesus prior to his physical birth via Mary. The Lord did appear to people during the period of the Old testament in the form of a man (Genesis 18). There are also several occurrences that refer to the appearance of "the angel of the Lord" (Genesis 16:7; 22:11; 31:11; Exodus 3:2; 14:19; Judges 2:1; 13:3; Zechariah 3:1-6)
Manoah's wife was one of the few people who the angel of the Lord appeared to. The angel appeared as a man (Judges 13:11-15) and his words gave the barren couple a child. What an amazing God we serve. God took the trouble to send his "messenger" to a woman that seemed totally insignificant (we do not even know her name).
God's way of valuing people is different from the world's. Never look down on yourself. God doesn't.
The appearance of the angel to Manoah's wife teaches us about two ways God moves in the affairs of mankind. God can move in sovereignty or (and) supernaturally.
God's sovereign acts are the things He choices to do without any prompting or desire from us. This is what happened in Judges 13:3. The angel of the Lord came without any invitation or prayer request from Manoah's family.
God's supernatural acts are the things He does on our request. This is what happened in Judges 13:8 - 31. It was the prayer of Manoah that brought the angel of the Lord back the second time.
God's sovereign acts are for the few people He chooses to touch in this way, whereas His supernatural acts are for everyone who would reach out to Him in faith.
Woman of God, God may do a sovereign act in your life but you can receive a supernatural act whenever you reach out in faith. Manoah's wife received both. Scriptures show that more women than men have received sovereign acts from God.
Let's not forget that Manoah's wife was barren but by a sovereign and supernatural act of God she received a child. Whatever you are believing God for today you can receive it.
Many people only believe in the sovereign acts of God and forget (or do not believe in) the supernatural acts. Nearly all the miracles of Jesus in the New testament were supernatural acts. There is no reason why you cannot receive from God.
A supernatural act from God requires desire and faith from us (Judges 13:8-9, Hebrews 11:6).
As Manoah and his wife were offering sacrifices to the Lord the angel ascended to heaven (Judges 13:19-21). Praise and worship open up heaven for us. If you want to touch the heart of God learn how to praise Him.
Judges 13 tells us of the story of a couple that were dumbfounded by the mercy and grace of God over their lives.
God came to them and taught them about his sovereign and supernatural acts. He showed them the importance of praise. He revealed to them his desire to use the fruit of their womb. He brought life out of a place that was considered dead. He used a woman that was considered worthless and insignificant.
By the time the Lord had finished with Manoah's wife she was a confident woman of God who was able to discern the way of the Lord, give out godly counsel and bear fruit (Judges 13: 23-24).
Pray that God should visit you today.
Questions
1. Who was Manoah?
2. Why did the angel of the Lord appear Manoah's wife?
3. What affect did the angel have on Manoah's wife?
4. Do you know Manoah's wife's name?
5. Is it necessary for your name to be well know if you are to please God and do His will?
6. What sacrifices can we offer to the Lord? Hebrews 13: 15-16
7. What is the difference between a sovereign act of God and a supernatural act of God?