Love to hear from and know who is listening
Samson was God’s chosen man during a time when the judges ruled Israel. From birth, he was destined to liberate Israel from the Philistines. While Samson was incredibly strong in body, he was very weak in character. Time and time again, the Bible tells us that the power of God came upon him. Samson killed a lion with his bare hands, caught 300 foxes and tied their tails together and slaughtered a 1,000 men with a donkey's jawbone. Somewhere along the way, Samson began to believe his own press release! He began to believe his strength was his alone. He could rely on his own muscles and power. So coming up against Delilah, a woman no less, was a joke to Samson. He’d been able to conquer anyone else who had gotten in his way. He was certain he could make quick work of Delilah, too. Samson became great in his own eyes!
Proverbs 11:2 NIV When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
This reminds me of myself. Sometimes my opinion of myself pretty high and mighty. Samson did many feats of powerful strength in his life. He snapped the ropes that bound him as though they were little strings. He tore off the city gates of Gaza and carried it to the top of a hill. Far to often I find myself doing things in my own power. Making my own plans and then later inviting God to come join me in my plans. It seems Samson didn't learn from his mistakes and sometimes I don't learn from my mistakes. I know it may be hard for you to believe but I am just a bit hard headed and from time to time I repeat my mistakes, just like Sampson did! Satan knows just what my greatest weakness is and that is the tool he will use against me, causing me to stumble and sin.
1 Peter 5:8 NIV Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Modern believers are continually faced with worldly temptations that can divert them from their faith. Samson's story serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and faithful, resisting the seductions of the world that can weaken your spiritual resolve. It is an illustration of the dangers of spiritual compromise. Samson decisions, demonstrate how disregard for God’s commands can lead to downfall. The pride of life is a weakness we all succumb to at times. Satan tempts us with the desire to be our own gods, and he is adept at stroking our ego. In the beginning Eve’s desire to be wise led her to sin. She rejected the Lord’s right to rule over her and chose instead to make her own decisions to be her own god. Samson’s final act of calling upon God for strength serves as a powerful testimony of the power repentance. Even when believers fail, there is always an opportunity to return to God and fulfill His purposes.
Judges 16: 28-30 NIV Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.
God’s grace is available even in the midst of failure!
