Friday, August 29, 2003 (64)A WONDROUS ACT INSTITUTED UPON A ROCK. A burnt offering presented to the LORD [Jehovah} by Manoah became a manifestation of the might and majesty of Jehovah. A simple offering, placed on a rock was about to become a great demonstration of the ability of Jehovah, Himself. Jgs. 13:19-20The rock is used throughout the scriptures as a symbol of the Lord in various and sundry ways. David, in a Psalm of rejoicing over his deliverance designates the LORD as his rock. The rock that had delivered him from his enemies. That One who had been active, with him, in his troubles as a guide and support. The rock which had become his refuge and fortress. He found his courage and encouragement in the LORD, his rock. Ps. 18:2The subject of the rock is a great theme in the Word of the LORD. No reference to the rock is more meaningful than that which is used by the Apostle Paul. He makes the rock from which Israel drank in the wilderness to be none other than Christ. A beautiful analogy, for as their lives were utterly dependent on the supply of life giving water flowing from the rock, so we in Christ have found Him to be the only source of life eternal, and the power of the Spirit. 1 Cor. 10:4
THE LORD DID AN AMAZING THING. No detail is given us as to the source of the fire which consumed the sacrifice, we do have a similar scenario where the fire originated from out of the rock as the staff of the angel of the LORD touched it. This took place at the time of the call of the Lord to Gideon. The fire flared from the rock. Judges 6:21 [NIV] There is every likelihood that in the case of Manoah, this is the same kind of an event. This fire, while is accomplishes the same things as natural fire, it is grossly different. It consumed the sacrifice which had been prepared but did not consume the angel of the LORD. Moses went up on the mountain which appeared to be on fire. Ex. 24:17 While on the mountain, rather than being consumed by the fire, he was infused with the fire and the glory of the Lord. Consequently he was forced to wear a vail because the Israelites could not stand the shining of the glory of the Lord that was highly visible in his face. Ex. 34:35 The same glory was seen in the face of Stephen, the first New Testament martyr. Acts 6:15 Fire is associated with the Holy Spirit baptism. It is our privilege to receive the Holy Spirit in a baptism of fire. That fire consumes the dross and at he same time empowers for service. A most pleasant and enjoyable experience.
WE HAVE SEEN GOD. Manoah was filled with fear, but his unnamed wife was filled with faith. She had a trust and confidence in the Lord which was real. The Word of the Lord was fulfilled in her. She bore a son who was named Samson. His name meant, little sun or sunny. He was blessed of the Lord as he grew. Jgs. 13:24 He was destined to be a judge and deliverer of his people. The Spirit of the LORD moved in his life from time to time. Jgs. 13:25 May the Lord grant the same in His church today.