The stories of Samson(Judges 13) and John the Baptist(Luke 1) are very similar. In both instances their parents were unable to have children and an angel appeared to their parents stating they were going to have a child. The boys were both to be Nazirites, which meant drinking no wine or fermented drinks and not cutting their hair, because they were separated unto God. However, there is a big difference in the way their fathers responded when God's angel appeared to them.
When the angel appeared to Samson's father he asked... “Pardon your servant, Lord. I beg you to let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born.” God heard his prayer and responded by sending the angel back. Then Samson's father asked... “When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule that governs the boy’s life and work?” These are great questions to ask God about our children, but also notice that he believed it was going to happen.
The father of John the Baptist had a much different response, even though he was a priest of God. Here is his response... “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” After this response the angel had no choice but to shut his mouth because of his unbelief and make him unable to speak for the next 9 months, because our words are very powerful and God couldn't have him speaking against what needed to be done. Later however, he was able to speak again and when he did the Holy Spirit began to prophecy through him. The good news is that even when we miss it God can still turn it around. But, our response does matter.
As we take communion today let it be a reminder to respond to God's promises with simple childlike faith and belief in what he says, even if it looks impossible. Our response matters.
I am praying for you.
Daniel
P.S. There are several important dates on God's Calendar coming soon.
Includes...
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