PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Judges 15-16
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother’s womb.” (Judges 16:17)
A Nazirite was someone devoted (nazir) to God (like a monk or nun, Numbers 6:1-21).
They chose to not cut their hair, not drink wine, and not touch dead bodies.
God chose Samson to be His devoted servant and leader, but he was a loose cannon.
Inflamed by pride, rage and lust, he was no model of devotion or integrity.
As a Jesus-follower, I am devoted to following Jesus in serving God in the world.
Samson’s story teaches me that God can use even sinners for His purpose.
But it also shows me there are consequences for giving in to my sinful desires.
Samson was so self-confident that he started to think he was unstoppable.
Sadly some Christian also live recklessly, assuming God will protect them.
Jesus reveals what perfect devotion looks like – unlike Samson or myself.
God used Samson – and uses me – to help His kingdom purpose advance.
But our confidence cannot be in ourselves; we are flawed, and we will fail.
Our confidence is Jesus, the perfect Nazirite who stayed true to God to the end.
I am a Jesus-follower dedicated to God… but His devotion, not mine, is my real hope.
PRAYER
Lord, I can relate to the flaws and folly of Samson. Thank You for stepping in to be the perfect Leader on my behalf, and beating Satan for me. You are my strength and hope!
“and he led Israel for 20 years” – I personally find it difficult to describe that what Samson did was leading – but I guess in terms of defying the Philistine rule – he did – but it was mostly himself. He followed his passion and anger – that is what drove him. But it also led to his demise – he told Delilah everything – and when they cut off the final link to his status as Nazirite – he lost everything. It was when he was humbled and weak, he realized and in the moment when the Philistines were praising their god Dagon for their success in defeating Samson, that he appealed to God to led him have revenge on the Philistines one more time. I find it interesting that he knew about the structure of the place they were gathering for the worship of Dagon their god – he was blind – and that the guard would honor his request to move him there. God answered Samson’s request and gave him the strength for that last strategic blow to the Philistines – and their god – yet in Samson’s words, to avenge the loss of his eyes. Does God use my sometimes very personally driven initiatives – to forward His will? I think so! Help me Lord to be driven by a strong desire to seek you will, your ways in my life – not driven anymore by my own ego.
Samson was used by the Lord His wonders to perform. Yet as an instrument of His peace, Samson certainly did not live a life as a hero of faith. Yet his last act showed once again that he was used by God for His purpose, His wonders to perform.. His strength and mine are to be found in God alone.
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand