God’s promises never change

The Israelites again did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hands of the Philistines for 40 years. During the time of the Judges, the people repeatedly fell into a cycle of sin, suffering, crying out to the Lord and then being delivered by Him. At that time, the people asked for a king to rule over them and did not want the Lord to be their king. Therefore, they often said, “In those days there was no king of Israel” and everyone did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25)

As God’s promises never change, His lovingkindness endures forever, and His faithfulness will continue through all generations, firmly established in heaven (Psalm 89:1-3). Time and time again, God gave help and deliverance to the Israelites which show us how much He loves His people. He is not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9)

Today, we have been baptised into the name of the Lord and our souls are saved through the precious blood and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. We should treasure this and hold on to the promises of God. We should not be like the Israelites who repeatedly sin against God and only regret after losing the grace of God.

Blessed are those who keep and obey

Samson’s parents kept and obeyed the word of God; they gave birth to Samson. During his mother’s pregnancy, she was not to drink wine or strong drink, nor eat anything unclean (Verse 4, 7 & 14). After Samson was born, no razor was to touch his head because he would be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from the womb. He would deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines (Verse 5 & 7). Because his parents kept and obeyed the word of God, God blessed Samson as he grew and the Spirit of the Lord moved him (Verse 31)

We can learn several things from Samson’s parents, both before and after receiving God’s promise:

• Belong to God, to live as a nazirite and be set apart as holy

• Share the grace received (Verse 10)

• Worship and give thanks to the Lord (Verse 19 - 20)   

• Only believe and do not doubt (Verse 22 - 23)

Reflection questions

• Are we obeying God’s word?

• Are our speech, behaviour and daily lives set apart as holy?