Judges 12 & 13

In Judges 12 & 13, Ephraim rises up against Jephthah because they want a part in the glory for the victory against the Ammonites. They wanted to take credit but didn't want to do the work when the war started. Jephthah does the right thing and gives all the glory and credit to God. Eventually, Jesus visits the would-be parents of Samson. They are told Samson would be set apart as a hardcore servant of God - a Nazirite. He must never go near wine or anything that is used to make it, must not cut his hair, and must not go near death. He is a picture of what God would do when he sent Jesus - our perfectly dedicated and set apart servant. Samson's name means bright light but, unlike Jesus, he was actually the worst - a hot mess. (Much like each of us) He was double-minded, unstable, a strong warrior but weak before women, and empowered by God but gave in to sins of the flesh. He was called to declare war on the Philistines but tried to marry one. He fought for the Lord by day but fell into sin and disobedience by night. His names means sun or bright light, but he was blinded by the darkness of the enemy. Samson's parents ask Jesus His name, and He responds with "Why do you ask my name?....It is too wonderful for you to understand." Where Samson fails, God comes through. It's a picture of pure grace and redemption. A picture of why we desperately need Jesus. His is Yeshua, our Messiah, our Savior, our Redeemer, our Rescuer. He is love. He is literally everything.