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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Wednesday, 2 July 2025:
Judges 13:1 — And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.
The cycle of rebellion continues—this time, with no recorded repentance. Yet God still acts. This chapter marks a shift: for the first time in Judges, the people don’t cry out for deliverance, yet God raises up a deliverer anyway. His grace begins working before anyone asks. This is pure mercy.
– Romans 5:8 — But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
– Ephesians 2:4–5 — But God, being rich in mercy… made us alive together with Christ.
Even when we’re faithless, He remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). Judges 13 teaches that God does not wait for us to deserve salvation—He initiates it. This is the heart of the gospel.
Notice also that God’s discipline of the nation lasted for decades. God holds everyone accountable with an aim towards reconciliation, but there is also a final judgment.
– Isaiah 55:6 — “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near….”
– Romans 2:4 — Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
Judges 13:2–5 — There was a certain man… whose name was Manoah. And his wife was barren…. And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said… “you shall conceive and bear a son… and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.”
The story of Samson begins like many biblical stories of great deliverers—with a barren woman and a miraculous birth. Think of Isaac, Samuel, and ultimately, Jesus. Each time, God breaks through human impossibility to fulfill His promise.
This angel of the Lord is not merely a messenger—it is the pre-incarnate Christ, a Christophany. He brings hope and direction: Samson is to be set apart from birth, a Nazirite (Numbers 6), wholly devoted to God.
God begins redemption not with armies, but with a faithful woman, a womb, and a promise. It’s a reminder: God’s work often starts in hidden, humble places—quiet obedience, persistent faith, and sacred preparation.
Judges 13:4 — Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean.
God expects parents to prepare themselves to raise godly children and then guide them in godliness at the earliest of age.
Judges 13:6–14 — Manoah arose and followed his wife… “Are you the man who spoke to this woman?” And he said, “I am.”
Manoah desires to understand and do God’s will, yet his wife shows greater spiritual clarity. She believes immediately; he asks for confirmation. This dynamic recalls Mary and Joseph. The Lord affirms both roles but highlights the faith of the one who first received the promise. In verses 12–14, Manoah asks about the boy’s mission. But the angel reiterates how the boy must be raised, not what he will do. God is always more concerned with our holiness than our résumé. Before calling Samson to act, God calls his family to set him apart. Remember, God’s ultimate goal for you isn’t some impact on society, it is oneness with Him and Christlike character (John 17:22-23; Romans 8:29). Success is measured in the heart, not in accomplishments.
Judges 13:8 — Then Manoah prayed to the Lord: ‘O Lord, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born.
Oh, what a different world it would be if more parents sought the Lord’s guidance and direction in raising their children as did Manoah. The Bible says that a primary purpose of marriage is to raise up godly children (Malachi 2:15). Parents are accountable before God for how they raise their children. Proverbs tell parents, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it (Proverbs 22:6),” and the key to parenting is to teach children “so that [their] trust may be in the Lord (Proverbs 22:19).” Parents have no greater responsibility in life.
Judges 13:15–23 — “What is your name, so that, when your words come true, we may honor you?” … And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?”
This scene echoes Moses’ encounter at the burning bush and Jacob’s wrestling at Peniel. Manoah wants to understand and control—but he meets the living God instead. “Wonderful” (Hebrew pili) suggests divinity (cf. Isaiah 9:6, “His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor…”). The flame ascends to heaven, and the Angel of the Lord disappears in it. Only then do Manoah and his wife realize: they have seen God. In panic, Manoah thinks they will die, but his wife reasons faithfully: God would not reveal Himself just to destroy them. This moment teaches reverent awe—God is both merciful and holy. He condescends to reveal Himself, but He is not to be trivialized.
Judges 13:24–25 — And the woman bore a son and called his name Samson. And the young man grew, and the Lord blessed him. And the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him….
Samson’s name means “sun-like,” pointing to hope and strength, but also carrying irony—his light will flicker with compromise. Still, the Spirit of the Lord stirs him. Though flawed, Samson is God’s chosen instrument.
This final verse in the chapter is a quiet but powerful note: the Spirit begins stirring before Samson ever lifts a finger. God is already at work.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 2 July 2025: Like Samson, your mission begins long before your moment. It starts with God’s grace, quiet faith, and holy preparation. You may not yet see the full calling, but how are you preparing to carry it? Are you living a consecrated life, as if God were about to do something through you?
Today’s Challenge: Choose one small but specific area of your life to “set apart” for God’s purposes: a habit, a relationship, a commitment, a pattern of thought. Dedicate it in prayer. Live like someone who is being stirred by the Spirit—because you are.
Pray: “Father, thank You for pursuing me before I ever sought You. Thank You for working through quiet moments and unknown places. Like Samson’s parents, give me faith to obey and courage to set myself apart for Your work. Stir me by Your Spirit. Let me be ready when the time comes. Help me prepare in holiness today. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 