The Promise of Samson’s Birth

This meditation is based on a passage for August 10, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Judges 13:1-15

Reflection and Question: Manoah’s wife, Samson’s mother, goes nameless. Nevertheless, she joins a special group of women in the Bible who, though barren, are visited by God’s messengers and then conceive a child who will lead God’s people in a powerful way. Sarah, Hanna, Elizabeth and Mary all have the same experience as this woman who is given detailed instructions on what to do during pregnancy so that her child will be ready to serve God. Manoah, like the other husbands, doesn’t believe his wife’s report until an angel confirms it. How is this the story of every child?

Prayer: Almighty God, creator of all that is, every mother wonders, as she feels the coming baby move in her womb, who this child will be in the world. Open our eyes to the angels You send to reassure us that our children shall fulfill Your purpose. Amen.