A Mother's Rebirth

Intro: Rebirth? What is it? When I think of Rebirth or being "born again", I somehow understand "deep within" that it means becoming new..., and while being new you are somehow the same person. It kind-of gets confusing from there; therefore, I will not break your brains about defining Rebirth with words. Instead, I will try to explain in this series what I mean by it through real life experiences.

A Mother's Rebirth: This week was a little strange. I had a dream of a mother in our congregation that needed some advice regarding her sons, but in my dream she had let her intentions get the best of her. While she listened and went to take the gifts of the Spirit of Adonai, she was insensitive to these delicate creatures and had killed them. So she walked away distraught, becuase the Spirit did not go with her. Knowing this woman in our congregation, I was a little shocked in such a dream, but I knew G-d was showing me her desperation for healing, reconcilation, and rebirth specifically for her sons... she wanted to see that transformation.

"She wanted to see that transformation."

It's interesting to see that we can remember the story of Samson, but totally forget the beginning of His story. The story of Samson intrestingly begins with His mother. There was a period in time where G-d raised up judges in Israel, because there was no king (G-d was/is supposed to be their king), however, because the people didn't have a tangible human king like the other nations, they did what was right in their own eyes (not eating kosher, having relations G-d did not accept, worship other gods, and etc). G-d detested such that He allowed the struggles of life to consume them. So every time Israel was oppressed by people, G-d would answer when they would cry out to Him (that is because He is faithful), by empowering a person with the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to bring about the Shalom of Adonai within the whole community for the time the person was alive. That person empowered by the Spirit would be called a judge.

"G-d would answer when they would cry out to Him (that is because He is faithful), by empowering a person with the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to bring about the Shalom of Adonai within the whole community for the time the person was alive."

So even when it seemed that G-d had left, He did not. In fact, in the middle of a great struggle (barreness), Samson's mother was appeared to by an Angel of the L-rd. And it is amazing to see how out of all the things G-d could have spoken to this woman, G-d tells her that being with child, she must be careful to do these certain things: Do not drink wine and do not eat anything unclean.

What?! Do not eat anything unclean?! Yes, she couldn't eat anything unclean. Remember, the people did right in their own eyes, and so many Israelites/Jewish people were not keeping Torah! When, I saw this, I realized how it is the same today. Many Christians, Messianic Believers, and etc. are doing what they see fit in their eyes, and because of that... they remain barren. While their faith is there, their intentions are not led by G-d's Word. It's no wonder why G-d has been allowing for these struggles to happen. But, there is a hope! And it is what we got to do with this hope that changes everything! As written in the last post, "Rebirth is not just about recognizing, but it is about being transformed in such a way that something new and good happens in response to what you have recognized!"

"But, there is a hope! And it is what we got to do with this hope that changes everything!"

There comes a moment in time that we become so desperate for advice, because we want to see a transformation. This mother, and I know many if not all mothers want to see their child be transformed by G-d. And so G-d gives this word to Samson's mother and father saying, there is a hope within you that will give birth and it would cause this nation to be reborn, but you must "not eat anything that comes from the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, or eat anything unclean thing." All that I commanded her let her observe." It's a remarkable passage, because G-d in His lovingkindess is ready to save His people, but it is for the mother and the father to make sure that the one on which G-d's blessing is on keeps His Torah! 

What so awesome is that the Torah talks about this blessing going on to the next generation(s), and in Samson we see the Nazerite vow, where with us we have the covenant made with the sacrifice of Yeshua. Yet, Samson doesn't keep the vow as many of us have not been faithful to G-d, but G-d remains faithful to His promise to Samson's mother because she kept His Torah! That promise, after telling her that she cannot eat or drink as written above, saying, "you shall concieve and bear a son", and "the child shall be a Nazarite to G-d from the womb to the day of his death."

"the child shall be a Nazarite to G-d from the womb to the day of his death."

Wow! When I read that, I couldn't believe what I was hearing, because I was hearing all the mother's in my congregation say.... AMEN! Many have seen their own family, friends, and family-friends stray from the Word of G-d. Some may even praise G-d that their children go to church,  congregation, or synagogue, but are distraught because of their intention to please themsleves in their worship to G-d rather than worship G-d because He's G-d. This is because we all know that if we had become transformed by Him, we would be geared more towards His Torah. And that is where it all begins! The Word of G-d over your life is where it begins, but if you do not embrace His Word, then how can you expect the latter rain(s) [blessing(s)]. Rebirth begins with faith in obedience to G-d not with obedience to what might please Him becuase it feels right to you. So while Samson was weak because he broke the vow G-d had with him, his hair still grew back. The sign of the gift that came from G-d began to grow while Samson was in the struggle. Though G-d had left Samson, the blessing given at the Word of God to Samson's mother was kept. And so finally, captured with no eyes and bound in shackels, Samson let out a cry...

"O L-rd remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O G-d, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes."

And so the L-rd heard his cry (not his mother's cry as there was no mention of his mom crying out to G-d to save her child), and at Samson's response to his recognition of the G-d of His parents/fathers, that G-d is faithful, Samson was empowered by the Spirit to avenge the opressors and brought Shalom to Israel for that time at the expense of his life. But that is not all, his family came down, took him (his dead body), and buried him in his father's tomb. The ending is quite a sad victory, but the love of G-d is there in His promise saying... "He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents."

"He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents."

How much more could a mother want? G-d did exactly what He promised. So while you have children that may seem far gone, be sensitive to His Spirit, do not cry, but accomplish all of His Word over your life and rejoice in the blessing G-d has given to you, your children, and children's children! Because in that day, He will answer you with His Shalom!

If you are desiring this transformation, if you are looking for G-d to reach out to your children; if you are desiring to see the renewing of the Ruach HaKodesh over you life so that G-d may give you this Rebirth, pray this prayer:

Avinu (Our Father) Malkeinu (Our King), I have been facing this struggle (name the struggle), I am in need of a transformation. I believe in Your One and Only Son, Yeshua, and I am confident that He is risen and is alive in me! Now L-rd show me Your Word that I may keep it all the days of my life, show me Your Truth that I may follow and be in it wherever I go, and show me Your Life that I may be sustained in my sorjourning. This way, when my family (husband, children, and etc.) and friends see me, there will be a day, I pray even so now, that You would return them to me and that they might choose to become reconciled to You. It is Your Word that this blessing unto me is for my children and to their children and to their children's children in order to restore the whole house of Israel! Baruch Haba BeShem Adonai (Blessed is He who comes in the Name of Adonai), Amen!