“As the flame blazed up from the altar toward heaven, the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame. Seeing this, Manoah and his wife fell with their faces to the ground.”
Judges 13:20
Sitting atop an overgrown slope, close to the biblical city of Bet Shemesh, is an ancient, layered stone. This may be the altar written of in Judges 13 where Manoah and his wife received a message from the angel of the Lord, foretelling the birth of Samson some 3,000 years ago!
Overwhelmed by the encounter, Manoah prepared an offering, and as the flame rose, the angel of the Lord ascended in the fire. This altar makes us consider reverence and worship. Manoah’s response to God’s message was to offer a sacrifice—a tangible act of faith and submission. When the angel ascended in the flame, it revealed God’s acceptance of their offering and His presence among His people.
In Christ, we no longer need to build physical altars, for He is the ultimate sacrifice made once for all, reconciling us to God. Yet, like Manoah, we are called to respond to God’s grace with worship and surrender. Are there areas in your life where God is calling you to deeper worship or trust? Bring them before Him, knowing that His presence transforms and sanctifies.
Overwhelmed by the encounter, Manoah prepared an offering, and as the flame rose, the angel of the Lord ascended in the fire. This altar makes us consider reverence and worship. Manoah’s response to God’s message was to offer a sacrifice—a tangible act of faith and submission. When the angel ascended in the flame, it revealed God’s acceptance of their offering and His presence among His people.
In Christ, we no longer need to build physical altars, for He is the ultimate sacrifice made once for all, reconciling us to God. Yet, like Manoah, we are called to respond to God’s grace with worship and surrender. Are there areas in your life where God is calling you to deeper worship or trust? Bring them before Him, knowing that His presence transforms and sanctifies.
Scripture Focus
Judges 13:1-20
Insight
“O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;/ Bow down before him, his glory proclaim.” (John Monsell, 1863)
Bible In A Year
- 1 Samuel 20-21
- Psalm 130
- 2 Corinthians 12