What can we learn about worship from Manoah's actions in Judges 13:19? Key verse Judges 13:19: “Then Manoah took a young goat and a grain offering and offered them on a rock to the LORD, and He performed a wondrous deed while Manoah and his wife looked on.” Immediate observations • Manoah responds to divine revelation with an offering • He brings a young goat (burnt offering) and a grain offering—atonement and thanksgiving together • A simple rock becomes the altar; no formal shrine required • The offering is “to the LORD,” Israel’s covenant God • God answers with a “wondrous deed,” revealing Himself • Manoah’s wife witnesses the act—worship shared in the home Worship truths drawn from Manoah’s example • Worship is prompt obedience – Manoah acts without delay (cf. Psalm 119:60) • Worship costs something meaningful – A valuable goat shows God’s worth (2 Samuel 24:24) • Worship blends confession and gratitude – Burnt offering for sin, grain offering for thanks; both find fulfillment in Christ (Hebrews 10:10) • Worship is not location-bound – A rock altar anticipates John 4:21-24—any place can become holy ground • Worship invites God’s manifest presence – “He performed a wondrous deed” (James 4:8) • Worship testifies to others – Manoah’s wife’s faith is built (Psalm 40:3) • Worship rests on covenant relationship – Offered “to the LORD” (Exodus 3:15) • Worship is faith-filled surrender – Manoah trusts God for the outcome (Hebrews 11:6) Living these lessons today • Respond quickly when the Spirit prompts—sing, pray, serve, give at once • Offer God something that matters: time, resources, talents (Romans 12:1) • Combine confession and thanksgiving in every gathering • Turn kitchens, offices, trails into altars of praise; don’t wait for Sunday • Expect God’s “wondrous deeds” in changed hearts and answered prayers • Let worship be a family affair—invite others to watch and join • Center every act of worship on Jesus, the ultimate Goat and Grain Offering (Ephesians 5:2) |
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