Supporting identity

Samson’s mother was told by an angel that she would bear a child who would be a Nazarite for life. A Nazarite was a devotee who did not cut his hair or drink strong drink. His mother supported Samson’s identity from the womb in that she also did not drink wine or eat anything made from grapes. Samson had a special responsibility. He would be instrumental in defeating the Philistines who had oppressed the Israelites for 40 years.

It is interesting to note that Samson’s father, Manoah, sought to understand how he might support his son’s role. He asked the Lord to teach them ‘what to do for the boy who is to be born’. Judg 13:8. He wanted to know the boy’s mode of life and his vocation. Manoah and his wife were actively seeking to support their son long before Samson understood his own path and predestination. We know Samson did not always heed their direction and made poor choices which caused him no end of grief. He chose Philistine women as wives and was betrayed by them. It must have been an agony for his parents to watch their gifted son cast aside his capacity and despise his God-given identity. They would have been distraught when Samson was rendered helpless before his enemies. And yet their faithfulness was rewarded for Samson did finally step up to the mark and brought about a great victory for the Israelites.

Samuel was also a Nazarite from birth. He was dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah. At five years of age Samuel went to live in the temple with Eli the priest, far from home. Hannah only visited her son once a year taking him a new coat. As a major prophetic voice, Samuel had a very significant role to play in Israel’s history, and therefore, needed a very specific form of training. As parents we may also release our sons and daughters to a context and programme of training which will equip them for a specific work. Many parents dedicate their children to the Lord at birth. But eventually our children will make their own commitments which may lead them down narrow and treacherous paths. Certainly, their choices and options will be limited. Regardless of our concerns, it is important that we support our children in their emerging identity.

Let’s consider Mary, the mother of Jesus. She knew that Jesus was God’s Son and she was told many things about Him by angels and messengers. She was warned that a sword would pierce her heart. The Scripture says that Mary did not always understand the things that were spoken, but ‘she pondered them in her heart’. Luke 2:19. We may also be entrusted with the care and nurture of one who has been set apart by the Father for a specific work or purpose. We may not always understand our child’s emerging grace and identity; we may need to ponder some things. But, when we do begin to understand we can provide a great deal of support. And in the process, a sword will certainly pierce our hearts.

Sue Falk

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Feature Articles
April 2009

How does faith grow?

Behold the Lamb

Pray without ceasing

The springs of song

Holy to the Lord

Supporting identity

Why do we fast?

Making vows

Watch over your soul

Learning patience

God is. Great!