You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines. (Judges 13:5)
The story is familiar, and yet different. Israel does evil and God delivers them to their enemies, but this time it is not the Midianites or the Ammonites, but the Philistines - the sea people. Same sin, similar consequences - oppressor. And then an even more significant difference from the stories of the previous Judges emerges. Before the people cry out for deliverance, before they repent - God makes provision for a deliverer. God's grace goes before.
Samson's conception rings some New Testament bells. An angel appears to woman telling her she will experience a miraculous conception. The child will be Israel's deliverer - the saviour of the people. The child to be born will be a Nazirite - one set apart for the Lord and his purposes. Samson is a gift of God's grace. And so is Jesus.
While we were still dead in our rebellious sin, God the Father gave us his son who in turn gave his life. This was before we cried out for deliverance and turned to God in repentance. God graciously turning towards us makes it possible for us to turn towards him in confession and repentance. Thank you Lord!
Comments