Purpose

 And Manoah said, “Now when your words come true, what is to be the child’s manner of life, and what is his mission?”
Judges 13:12 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jdg.13.12.ESV

I love Manoah's faith and fatherly heart here. Arguably, Jesus Himself proclaimed his son would be born. This verse is Manoah's response. He wholeheartedly believed that God's words would come true.

Even if we don't get to father someone as powerful as Samson, all of us could adopt Manoah's questions if we find out we're expecting (a) child/ren. We should all want to know how our children should live. In this technological age the question is all the more important: how will our children navigate the changes that will inevitable come?

Even if our children don't come to faith in God (which we can't give them as their parents), we should be still concerned as to what their missions are. What are they good at, and what are they called to do? If we know, we can help them along the way.

With the best will in the world, we might still have rogue children. Manoah and his wife were no doubt great parents, but Samson turned out to be somewhat of a rogue. He was a hero, yes, but like most heros he had an Achilles' heel, and his was women.

'Father in heaven, help us to be good parents we pray. May our children live and work according to what You call them to. For Your honour we pray, amen'

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