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-Small Groups -  Click here for information or to sign up for a Small Group

-The Music Man will be presented as our fall theatrical event...click here (www.ChristMemorialProductions.org) for full details and audition information. 

      Performances: November 13, 14,15 at 7:30 pm and November 16 at 2:00.

      Auditions: August 16 and 17 from 1- 5 PM..

Devotions

Samson (1)

Miraculously Born

Readings: Judges 13:1-5 and Luke 1:26-35

Manoah’s wife was sad because she was unable to have children. Then one day an angel appeared and told her that in spite of her condition, she would become pregnant and give birth to a son (Judg. 13:3). Mary, the mother of Jesus was in a similar situation. Although she was not barren, her physical condition of virginity precluded her from becoming pregnant.

Yet, just as with Manoah’s wife, so also with Joseph’s betrothed, an angel of the Lord appeared and announced that Mary would miraculously conceive and give birth to a son (Luke 1:26-35). In Samson’s miraculous conception and birth we begin to see a picture of the first Christmas.

Samson was not like the other children. He was different—set apart. The angel told his mother, “The boy is to be a Nazirite, set apart to God from birth” (Judg. 13:5). The word “Nazirite” is from the Hebrew word that means, “dedicated” or “separated.” Being separate and different from the others, Samson would lead a special life. The angel continued, “He will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines” (Judg. 13:5). Here the similarity with Jesus is developed further. Jesus also was set apart from birth. He will be different from the others. How will He be different? He will save us from our enemies—even our worst enemies—sin (Matt. 1:21), death (John 11:25-26) and the power of Satan (Luke 10:17-19).

Samson also had special power. He was blessed with tremendous physical strength (Judg. 16:3). No ropes, however strong, could bind him (Judg. 15:14). He could kill a thousand men using only the jawbone of a donkey (Judg. 15:15). His strength was the envy of his enemies (Judg. 16:5).

Jesus was also endowed with great power. He had the power to heal the sick (Luke 6:19), calm storms (Luke 8:22-25), and even raise the dead (Luke 7:11-17). But his greatest power is the ability to forgive sins (Mark 2:1-12). His power is all we need. As Peter says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3).

To be sure Samson had his faults (Judg. 16:1). Nevertheless, he was a special man, chosen by God to lead His people. For 20 years, he led the people of Israel (Judg. 15:20). His miraculous birth, his special dedication, and his great power all point us to an even Greater One, who was miraculously born for you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, in Your infinite wisdom, You chose Samson to deliver your people from their enemies. May his miraculous birth, dedication to Your purpose, and his tremendous power always remind me of Jesus. Amen.