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PrintHis Name is Wonderful
by Hugo Bouter
"How is it that thou askest after My name, seeing it is wonderful... And He did wondrously, and Manoah and his wife looked on"
(Judges 13:17-20, J.N.D. Trans.)
Samson As A Type Of Christ
The birth of Samson was a miracle because his mother had been barren and had borne no children. But a Divine Messenger had come to tell her that she was to give birth to a son who would be a Nazarite to God, that is a person entirely dedicated to the service of the Lord (cf. Num. 6). Moreover, the Angel said that her son would begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines (v. 5). In all these respects, Samson, however weak in himself, is a type of our Lord who, (1) in a miraculous way, was born of the virgin Mary; (2) as a Nazarite, was dedicated to God all His lifetime here on earth; and (3) delivered His people from the powers that held them captive. This parallel is justified by other important events in the life of Samson (of course, the personal shortcomings of this judge should not be considered in this connection). His victory over a roaring lion speaks of Christ's victory over Satan (cf. 1 Pet. 5:8). Just as Samson gave his parents of the food that came "out of the eater"-something sweet that came "out of the strong"-so the Lord shares the glorious results of His work with us (ch. 14:14). The fact that Samson defeated more enemies in his death than in his life, is another reference to Christ's triumph on the cross of Calvary (ch. 16:30).
The wonderful birth of Samson also reminds us of the birth of Isaac, who was born of barren Sarah. The Lord Himself said of Isaac's birth: "Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is any thing too hard (lit. too wonderful) for the LORD?" (Gen. 18:13-14). Speaking about the miracle of the virgin birth of the Messiah, the very first of His names as mentioned by the prophet is, "Wonderful" (Isa. 9:6). The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Christ partook of flesh and blood for the sake of His brethren. It is an unspeakable mystery, and will be a cause of eternal worship. Christ became Man in order to save men, to unite them with Himself and bring them to glory. How can we ever thank Him for it!
Christ's Wonderful Sacrifice
However, it is not only Christ's birth that fills us with wonder, but even more so His sacrifice. He was born of the Spirit: "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35). With a view to His ministry here on earth He was also anointed withthe Spirit and with power (Acts 10:38). And at the end of His life He offered Himself throughthe eternal Spirit without spot to God (Heb. 9:14). Burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin could not please God, but the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all did (Heb. 10:5-10).
We are taught another lesson in the story of Manoah and his wife concerning this wonderful sacrifice. A burnt offering and a grain offering were offered to the Lord upon a rock (v. 19). The grain offering was made of fine flour that was mixed with oil and anointed with oil (Lev. 2). It symbolised the pure human nature of Christ, who was born of the Holy Spirit and anointed with His power. The burnt offering, however, was a bloody sacrifice. This clearly speaks of His death to the glory and honour of God the Father. Both offerings were a sweet savour to the Lord, for we read in Ephesians 5:2: "Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us, an offering (i.e. a grain offering) and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour."
It is an offering that is unfathomable to man. Christ's sacrifice for our sins was at the same time a burnt offering that went up to God for a sweet-smelling savour. While He had to be forsaken by God on the cross as He took our place in judgment, yet He was the One in whom the Father was well pleased. During those dark hours on Calvary's cross, He reflected God's wonderful love, justice and holiness.
It is interesting to note that Manoah offered a young goat. This was usually a sin offering in the Old Testament, but he offered it to God as "a burnt offering" (v. 16). The burnt offering was linked with a grain offering (v. 19). When Christ poured out His soul unto death, this was of infinite value to God. For this holy, humble Man not only glorified God during His life here on earth, but He also desired to glorify Him by His death. What a wonderful Saviour, who not only met our needs, but at the same time satisfied all God's righteous demands!
His Glorification In Heaven
Another wonderful thing that is mentioned in these verses is the miracle which was done by the Angel of the Lord (this Messenger was the Old Testament representation of the Lord Jesus Christ: cf. Mal. 3:1). As the flame went up from the altar toward heaven He ascended in the flame of the fire. Not only was the name of the Angel wonderful (v. 18), but so was His behaviour: He did a wondrous thing while Manoah and his wife looked on (v. 19). In other words, He acted in accordance with the secret of His Person.
This miracle is a sign which teaches us that having offered Himself without spot to God, Christ ascended on high by virtue of His sacrifice. He is now seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high! He who descended has also ascended up far above all the heavens. Who is able to fathom the wonders of His Person? As a Man, He returned to heaven and was crowned with glory and honour. His glorification in heaven was God's righteous answer to His humiliation here on earth.
When pondering these things the only response that is proper for us is to worship at His feet. Just like Manoah and his wife we shall be deeply moved by what we have seen. We shall kneel down before our Lord to worship Him and pay Him heart-felt homage. It would appear that Manoah did not understand as much of God's gracious intentions as his wife, who had more spiritual insight. What about us? When we behold the miracles of the work and the Person of Christ, do we take the place of intelligent worshippers?
In the Book of Psalms we read about the miracle of the exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ: "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes" (Psa. 118:22-23). The once rejected Christ, who sacrificed Himself and stooped to the depths of death, has been exalted by God and crowned with glory and honour. He is the Cornerstone in whom we have put our trust. He is the Rock on which the church is being built as a spiritual house. This is the great miracle of God's grace which He works in our time. And in keeping with the words of the psalmist, we can only acknowledge that He has done all this according to the wonderful counsels of His will. It is wonderful and marvellous in our eyes. And we are looking forward to the soon-coming day when we shall see Him as He is and shall worship at His feet.
Hugo Bouter
