Observation: An angel has decreed the birth of Samson to his parents. Samson's father Manoah is struggling to understand the nature of this individual. He first offers the angel food, and the angel responds that he won't eat and instead they should make a burnt offering to the Lord. He then asks his name and receives this reply.
This exchange reveals an aspect of Manoah's character that could be perceived either positively or negatively. From a positive interpretation, Manoah is attempting to understand and honor the Lord. He is curious about the Lord's message and messenger, first desiring to honor him, and then at least hoping to know his name so he can speak well of him in the future. From a negative interpretation, Manoah is questioning the activities taking place. He isn't trusting that this is a heavenly messenger, and is probing deeper, wanting to talk more, to validate authenticity, and it isn't until the angel is taken up into heaven that he believes him to be the angel of God.
Either of these perspectives could be true. In fact, both could be true. Manoah may be demonstrating partial faith ... he may be indicating that he believes in the general truth and accuracy of the message as if it were spirit-inspired prophesy, but he doubts the direct connection between this individual and Yahweh and therefore seeks a deeper understanding of the true nature of this individual.
The Jews knew that the Angel of the Lord could appear to individuals, as it had for Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and Joshua. However, they also were more comfortable with the idea that prophets received true words from the Lord, as happened more regularly and included the decisions of the judges and priests. Perhaps Manoah struggled to accept this was "the" angel of God because he felt himself unworthy, not in league with the great leaders and patriarchs of Israel. Perhaps he didn't think God really appeared as an angel anymore, as those were unique situations from hundreds of years ago.
Either way, Manoah's faith seems to have had a limit ... he could believe that a message was true and revealed the instructions of the Lord, but not that the Lord himself took time to visit people, personally comfort and instruct, and provide such messages directly.
Application: I struggle with believing the Lord would appear to me or interact with me directly. I know his Holy Spirit is a part of him, and therefore I interact with the Lord, in some manner, daily. I receive his guidance and love and hope and instructions and wisdom. However, the idea that Yahweh - in the form of Jesus, the Angel of the Lord - would appear to give me instructions or comfort or wisdom ... I struggle with that, knowing I am not worthy. Of the billions on earth, I'm less worthy than non-believers who really need such a revelation, and less worthy than believers who embrace their faith with a boldness that fills their lives.
I certainly associate with Manoah here, a man talking to the Angel of the Lord, believing the words, but trying to rationalize the "who" of the actual messenger. I know the word of God, but perhaps I don't know the Lord well enough to recognize him when he's standing right in front of me.
Prayer: Abba, my daddy and father in heaven, great Yahweh, whose name is wonderous beyond my understanding, I would actually like to know you better. I believe, but I know I keep you at arm's length. You know I keep everyone at arm's length. I don't know why this fear of being known is a part of the world I have held so close that I cannot even fathom a way to release it. However, I want to know you. I want to know you so well that I would recognize you walking down the street, greeting you like my most cherished friend. May my life continue to evolve in a way that would make that possible someday. Amen.
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