What can we learn from Manoah's approach to the angel in Judges 13:11? Setting the Scene “ So Manoah got up and followed his wife. When he came to the Man, he asked, ‘Are You the Man who spoke to my wife?’ ‘I am,’ He said.” (Judges 13:11) Observing Manoah’s First Steps - Immediate action: he “got up” without delay. - Willing to follow: he “followed his wife,” validating her encounter. - Direct engagement: he spoke straight to the messenger. - Respectful verification: he sought confirmation before proceeding. Eager, Trusting Obedience - God had not yet given Manoah a personal appearance, yet he moved quickly on secondhand testimony. - Compare Abraham’s prompt obedience (Genesis 22:3) and the disciples’ quick response to Jesus’ call (Matthew 4:20-22). - Lesson: when God’s word is clear, hesitation is disobedience in slow motion. Shared Spiritual Leadership in Marriage - Manoah honored his wife’s spiritual experience, acknowledging that God can speak first to either spouse (see Priscilla and Aquila, Acts 18:26). - Ephesians 5:21: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” - Lesson: godly homes cultivate mutual respect for each other’s walk with the Lord. Humble Verification and Discernment - Manoah tested the messenger before accepting the message, paralleling 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1 John 4:1. - His question was simple, not skeptical: “Are You the Man…?” - Lesson: wise faith confirms without cynicism, combining trust with discernment. Reverence Without Presumption - He addressed the visitor politely, aware that he might be in the presence of the divine (later confirmed, vv. 17-22). - Proverbs 15:33: “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” - Lesson: approach every potential word from God with respectful awe. Readiness for Further Instruction - Manoah’s next request (v. 12) shows he wanted practical guidance, not mere spectacle. - James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” - Lesson: genuine seekers move from confirmation to application. Putting It Into Practice Today - Rise promptly when Scripture calls for action. - Honor the spiritual insights of family members; God often speaks through those closest to us. - Verify every claim of divine authority by the written Word. - Maintain reverent humility; God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). - Seek practical next steps so obedience follows understanding. |
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