Faith Seeking Understanding
Faith Seeking Understanding
Judges 13:12-14
And Manoah said, “Now when your words come true, what is to be the child’s manner of life, and what is his mission?” And the angel of the LORD said to Manoah, “Of all that I said to the woman let her be careful. She may not eat of anything that comes from the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, or eat any unclean thing. All that I commanded her let her observe.”
Let’s take a moment to marvel at the trust these two saints exemplify, a trust rarely seen in any generation, but especially in one where men do whatever seems right in their own eyes. Notice how everything Manoah asks of this divine messenger hinges on his critical confession of faith: “When your words come true.” When—not if. Manoah doesn’t bring a fleece with him to the discussion. He doesn’t say, “Listen, LORD, I trust You, I know You’re more than capable of giving us a son and raising him up, but just to be absolutely sure, can you drench this fleece in dew tomorrow morning while leaving the surrounding terrain completely dry?” No, he doesn’t begin his discourse by doubting his own ability, but by trusting in God’s ability. He’s focused on God’s supremacy rather than his own deficiency, which brings to mind a helpful proverb given by St. Augustine in ages past, “Seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may come to understand.”
Yet even tremendous faith can get ahead of itself. Even unwavering saints can yearn to understand all that Providence means to do, and yearn to put all the pieces of the puzzle together at once, and wish to see the whole picture right off the bat. Ah, but God gives us a little at a time, doesn’t He? He nourishes our desire with the sweet manna we need for today’s venture, but not for tomorrow’s. See, friend, Manoah is already ten steps ahead, already planning for next year’s harvest, already wanting a clear picture of who his little boy will grow up to become, but God points the focus back on the present task. He replies effectively, “Listen, parents, before I set apart your son for a special task, I’ve set you apart for a special task. Just do what I’ve asked of you, and let Me take care of the rest.”