Sermonette: Following in the Unknown

In the book of Judges, we find many strange stories. From a left-handed assassin killing an obese monarch, to a coward who destroyed an idol only to build a new one after God saved him; all of it and much more can be found in this dark and gruesome book. However, despite the strange nature of the book, at least one of the “heroes” is still well known in a children’s Sunday School room: Samson. His story, found in Judges 13, begins in mystery.

The story begins with a woman being visited by an angel. Neither the angel nor the woman is named, only her husband, Manaoh. The angel tells her that despite her barrenness, she will soon conceive. Then she is given some strange instructions: this baby is to be raised as a Nazarite. This means he (and his mother while pregnant) must not touch any alcohol, nor shall his hair ever be cut, along with all the standard Jewish restrictions. Normally, these extra vows would be chosen by the person undertaking them, but the angel tells Manaoh’s wife that she is to raise her child this way and that the child will free Israel from their Philistine oppressors. She then runs to tell Manaoh the good news.

Manaoh, however, has questions. If this child is supposed to be Nazarite from conception to free Israel from the Philistines, how should Manaoh raise him? Does he need special training or education? What occupation should Manaoh prepare him for? God hears Manaoh’s concerns and doubles down. The angel returns first to Manaoh’s wife alone, then to both of them; but neither time does he elaborate any further. Despite God responding to Manaoh by sending an angel, he never answers Manaoh’s questions. Beyond the Nazarite vows, Manaoh is left in the dark in how to raise the savior of Israel.

Manaoh has questions, but God refuses to give further information. Instead, he expects Manaoh to follow the guidelines given and trust God for the rest. Manaoh thought he needed more information. Why God chose to not fill him in more, we can’t say for sure. Personally, I suspect that the knowledge of what kind of man Manaoh’s son would turn into, might just break Manaoh’s heart. I suspect God is protecting Manaoh by keeping him in the dark.

They say knowledge is power. This might be true, but knowledge can also be overwhelming, stressful, dangerous, confusing, and a burden (just ask a therapist or counselor.) Moreover, God doesn’t call people to knowledge, he calls them to faith. God calls us to walk with him. Sometimes, he might just reveal a bit about the next few steps we are supposed to take, but if he doesn’t, that does not change our call. Our call is to follow and trust.

May we continue to walk with God, whether we see where our next step is going to fall, or not.