Judges 13: God Forges a New Tool
FINDING A GOOD pair of scissors in my house can often be difficult. One day in frustration, I bought a new pair, put them in my private drawer and forbid the rest of the family to touch them. Since that day, I (almost always) have been able to locate scissors when I need them. God's sending of Samson was similar to my purchase of scissors. Samson was to be set apart for God's use alone. When it was time to once again save the Israelites, God's implement of salvation would be readily at hand.
Warming Up to God
Imagine yourself as God's tool. How would you describe yourself? For example, would you say that you are in the toolbox waiting to be used? misplaced and can't be found? in God's hands? Or being used for someone else's project?
Read Judges 13. »
Discovering the Word
- What did God require of Manoah, his wife and Samson (vv. 4-5)?
- How would keeping the Nazirite vow have prepared Samson for God's service?
- What does God's second visit to Samson's parents add to the first (vv. 9-21)?
- What does God reveal about himself to Samson's parents, and what does he hold back (vv. 16-21)?
- Why were Samson's parents afraid when they realized they had seen God (vv. 22-23)?
Applying the Word
- What does this passage teach you about how God prepares us for service?
- How has God prepared you for his service?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to make you a useful tool in his service.
For Further Study
Never Beyond Hope by J. I. Packer & Carolyn Nystrom