Devotion - Tuesday, August 28

I am making my way through the Book of Judges.  There are confusing stories in here; the types of stories that some read and wonder, "Is this the way God is active in the world?"  There is a lot of conflict and warfare and destruction.

But the overall theme of these stories remains constant:  The people of God turn from God; God appoints someone to aid them in their return.

I am now in Chapter 13, where the stories of Samson begin to appear.

The first of these stories is about Samson's parents.  There is a visit to his mother by a messenger.  His father seeks this messenger and wants to hear for himself the prophesy.  Before we read about Samson, we learn of the events which shaped the lives of his parents.  

The Scriptures help us to realize that no one's story is complete without looking at the stories of those around them.  We can't understand Samson unless we know of the events which happened to his parents.  Samson is not bound and incapable of acting independently, but his actions are rooted in what has gone before.

I share this reflection with you as a way of encouraging you to think about the history of God's presence in your life.  How has the faith of your parents (or possibly the non-faith of your parents) impacted your own spiritual journey?  In what ways has your pilgrimage been affected by the path they have followed.  Think not only of your parents, but of your grandparents.  And we should include the faith-stories of your friends and teachers.  

Christians are not solitary creatures.  Jesus calls us to join his band of disciples.  We learn His will as we come together in His name.  We pass on what was first given to us.

You are not bound by what has happened before, but you are affected by it.  Reflect on your past, give thanks to those who received the word of God's messengers, and see yourself as a link in a history that stretches from the beginning of time to the eternity of which Jesus speaks.