5 evidences of godly Character

 Read Judges 13. 

The sixth cycle began when the next generation "did what was evil in the sight of the LORD".  This time God used the Philistines to oppress them for forty years. 

Yet, even in the worst of times, there were always those who loved and served the LORD.  Such were Manoah and his wife.  Though most of the tribe of Dan had moved north, these two remained in the inherited land allotted to their family by Joshua.  They were a faithful couple who had no children.  Then, the angel of the LORD appeared to foretell of the birth of their son. 

This is at least the fourth appearance of the angel of the LORD in first thirteen chapters of Judges.  Who is this "angel"?  Though he looks like a man (v.6 and v.10) and Manoah did not realize at first that he was the angel of the LORD (v.16), the identity is obvious from previous mentions from Genesis to here.  Nowhere is it clearer than here.

1. Very awesome appearance (v.6).  The word awesome is so overused in American slang that it has nearly lost its meaning.  To stand in awe involves the emotions of fear and reverence.  It is a rightful response to God and His word.

2. His name is "secret" (KJV), "wonderful" (ESV) (v.18).  

3. They had seen God (v.22).  This was no one else than a preincarnate appearance of Jesus Himself. 

We learn much about the spiritual character of Manoah and his wife.

1. They recognized the presence of God.

2. They believed the message from God.

3. They prayed to God for more understanding of His word, especially His teaching to raise their child. (v.8 and v.12)

4. They offered sacrifices to "the one who works wonders." (v.19)

5. The LORD blessed them. (v.24)

 May those five things be true of us today.