Judges 13:18  “Why do you ask my name?” the angel of the Lord replied. “It is too wonderful for you to understand.” (NLT)

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My bride and I are in the process of moving from our long-time home to a house nearer our two youngest granddaughters, including the tiniest of our tots, who was born this weekend. We are attempting to keep this house as clean as possible for the next residents and are careful not to mess up anything that would be hard to clean up. 

In other words, we are eating out a lot.

Last week, we ate out one evening at the restaurant our daughter called Salad Garden when she herself was a wee one. The young woman who served our meal is named Shanna. I do not recall hearing that name before meeting our new acquaintance. The name is of Hebrew origin and means Lilly or Rose. It also means God Is Gracious. 

That’s a good name, a name worth living up to.

Interestingly, her mother found the name in a novel about a prostitute. So, we will end this part of the story right here.

Every name is a story in itself. Take Samson, for example. His name means Sun Man. He was certainly a delight to his parents. His birth was announced by the Angel of the LORD. He was given a special mission before his birth. He and his mother were to live by special guidelines. (See Judges 13 for the fuller story.)

In verse 12, Samson’s dad asks, “When your words come true, what kind of rules should govern the boy’s life and work?” This is a good question, and it is a good prayer to pray over our little ones. 

Each child has his or her own bent. Far from arriving as blank slates with details to be filled in by family members, instructors, and influencers, God wires each child with individual characteristics for the special future he has in mind for each one. 

Again, an example is helpful. My father, my son, and my son-in-law are amazing craftsmen. Dad could build or repair just about anything. Jonathan and Connor are at least equally skilled. Me? It would be wise to take the hammer and nails out of my hands and give them to someone else. I’m much better fit for ideas and words than the work of my hands. 

While some families insist on children becoming like their parents or following a particular path, God has a better plan. Maximized lives follow God’s instructions and guidance. The best a person can be is when he or she aligns and attunes their hearts with his. Each of us truly is one of a kind.

Have you considered how Samson is the only Samson in the Bible? No one else bears that name. 

One other tidbit from this story is worth a moment’s pondering. Samson’s dad asked the Angel of the LORD what his name is. “Why do you ask my name?” the Angel of the LORD replied. “It is too wonderful for you to understand,” (verse 18).

Our Wonderful God (Isaiah 9:6, 7) gives names (Revelation 2:17), and destinies (Ephesians 2:10) better, richer, and fuller than any we could plan.

Go back to Samson’s dad’s question. What if we prayed this prayer for our children and grandchildren? What if we prayed it for ourselves? What if we found and lived God’s rule, his set of life-giving habits, for ourselves and for those we love?

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I will seek God’s highest and best for myself and for those I love.

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Our Father, you created us as a set of one. Your plan for each of us is individual and exclusive. If we don’t do us, we don’t get done. Draw us into your special future for us and our loved ones. Enrich our walk with you. May we know your heart and mind. May will live in the fullness of your purpose for us. May we honor you and serve others all of the days of our lives, including today. Amen.