READ: Judges
13-15
Next we are introduced to another prominent judge,
Samson. Samson’s story is perhaps the most watered-down childhood Bible story
out there! Sunday school teachers always seem to leave out the gore and
disaster, which encompasses much of the story.
Samson has an interesting lot in life. Before his
birth, the angel of the Lord announced that he would be a Nazirite. This was a
rare occurrence. Normally, any man or woman could choose to take the Nazirite vow in order to be set apart for the
Lord for a certain amount of time. But in Samson’s case, his vow was neither
voluntary nor temporary. God set him
apart with a purpose: to deliver the people from the hand of the Philistines. Like
most of our friends in Judges, Samson was no shining example of holiness.
Again, we must remember that the book is giving an account of Israel’s history
during the time of the Judges; there are many lessons to learn from it, but the
characters themselves are not to be looked at as spiritual giants.
Despite his parents’ best efforts, Samson grows to
be a rather self-absorbed, stubborn young man. This is made blaringly clear in
chapter 14 when he takes a Philistine bride. When encouraged by his father to
find an Israelite wife, Samson demands, “Get her for me, for she is right in my
eyes.” Samson seems to embody the rebellious nature of all Israel, who has
become accustomed to doing whatever seems fit to each individual. This same
example points out another of Samson’s shortcomings: his unruly attraction to
women, which will be his undoing on more than one occasion. Samson shows
incredible foolishness, taking as a wife a woman from the very enemy he is
destined to destroy! However, God is at work in Samson’s life and is determined
to use him for His purposes, whether
or not Samson will submit himself personally to the Lord.
Samson’s life is very interesting to observe. It is
obvious that God is using him at times, for we read how he is empowered by the
Spirit of the Lord to kill a lion (14:6), 30 Philistines (14:19) and to escape
from ropes and kill 1000 Philistines with a donkey’s jawbone (15:14-17)!
However, we also see him respond out of anger and retribution, killing and
retaliating without the outpouring of
the Spirit. His disregard for his calling is also evident. He was called by God
to be a Nazirite and defender of Israel, but he did not respond willingly. He
desacralized himself and his calling by breaking its requirements. His life is
a testament to what happens when we despise God’s calling on our lives.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1. Samson’s life – his attitude and actions – show
a resemblance to our culture as a whole. What do you see in Samson that you see
in the culture around you?
2. Ask God how He wants to specifically use you as
a light in this culture?
3. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any ways that you
are being sucked into the negative culture around you. Is there anything that
is causing you to have a bad attitude towards God’s calling in your life? If
so, share your heart with the Lord. Tell Him how you are feeling and give the
burden of your struggles to Him. Confess anything you need to and spend some
time in prayer.
