I’m reading the book of Judges right now. I’m up to the life of Samson. First, I noticed the common sense Samson’s mother had. Manoah (Samson’s dad) was freaking out over seeing God in the flesh (angel of the LORD), but Mrs. Manoah looked at the situation logically: “If the Lord intended to kill us, why would he have accepted our burnt offering and spoken to us this way?” (my paraphrase of Judges 13:23). This reminded me that when people around me are panicked or anxious, a calm voice of reason can bring peace and relief.

When Manoah was talking with this angel of the LORD (before he realized who it was), he asked specifically, “What is your name?” The angel replied, “Why do you ask my name, since it is beyond understanding?” Isn’t this astounding? What kind of a Name can be beyond understanding?! Yet this reminds me of God calling Himself “I AM that I AM” to Moses. I always considered that as difficult to understand. Then, too, Revelation 19:11-16 lists several names of Jesus — “Faithful and True,” “The Word of God,” “King of kings and Lord of lords,” in addition to “a name written that no one knows except Himself” (CSB). God is SO AMAZING I can’t even know or comprehend His Name! Praise Him!

Also amazing is the truth that He knows my name! And cares to know me. What an honor.