“His divine power has given us everything we need for a life of
godliness
through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and
goodness.”
II Peter 1:3
I watched a film last night about the Life of Samson, which
the Bible discusses in Judges, Chapter 13.
It was intriguing to be reminded how this man was set apart for God’s service. Through a divine announcement from an Angel of the Lord, Samson was to carefully
follow a set of rules in order to fulfill the
calling of a Nazirite. Because of this God's hand was on Samson’s life….but, when push came to shove he missed or
misunderstood God’s voice and directive, over and over again.
It made me think of myself, as I watched Samson mess up his
life; miss obvious cues, and totally disregard his loved ones as they pleaded
with him to rise to his calling or at least to the occasion. With a human nature we are all familiar with,
Samson chose to consistently flounder, to his own demise!
Even knowing that he was set apart by God, Himself, Samson, at times, quieted that power and then inadvertently had to watch as his wife was murdered and his people were starved. In the end, he literally had his eyes burned out of his head and finally died in chains; though he took down the Temple, the king of the Philistines, all their rulers and 3000 additional people in that moment (see Judges 16: 21-31).
Even knowing that he was set apart by God, Himself, Samson, at times, quieted that power and then inadvertently had to watch as his wife was murdered and his people were starved. In the end, he literally had his eyes burned out of his head and finally died in chains; though he took down the Temple, the king of the Philistines, all their rulers and 3000 additional people in that moment (see Judges 16: 21-31).
There were times in Samson’s life when he would finally wake
up and understand what he needed to do…but it was usually when he found himself
knee deep in trouble or neck deep in literal chains of imprisonment. I wanted to feel sorry for the guy but with
eyes of a 21st century citizen I could easily see where he was
going astray. It was revealing to watch
as the movie showcased Samson’s personality flaws. Honestly, I felt the presence of the Lord and
I was given a glimpse into the mirror; meaning, that certain things about myself, that seem so obvious to those around me, are sometimes blatantly oblivious
to me. This was the trait I saw most in
Samson and recognized in myself.
Here is the life-lesson for me: God could have and would have fulfilled
Samson’s calling in many other ways and on many other days….IF Samson would
have just listened, made wise choices and moved forward in faith! As Samson
illustrated over and over; using wisdom is sometimes easier said than done! My life parallel’s his in exactly this way!
Interestingly, through this ancient story on modern film, I watched Samson’s life and a vision of my
life flickered before me. I saw my past
and the decisions I’ve made… and where I went astray; I saw how God attended to
me, like Samson, no matter what the circumstance. He guarded me, re-routed me and went with me when I turned to the left instead of going right! Down every path of my life God was and is fulfilling
His design and putting all the puzzle pieces of His plan together, through my
ever-changing mind and life; like Samson!
I saw God’s gracious patience for Samson and I felt blessed
knowing that the Lord does this for me as well.
I saw God’s holiness as He waited, whispered and then showed up- always
at just the right time- and with this I recognized my own salvation. I saw how the
Lord was ever-present, even when Samson felt alone and powerless, and how God compassionately showed up every time Samson humbled himself and prayed... and I KNOW for certain
that God does this for me as well!
I PRAY that you can see how God works, using the life of a man named Samson, who's example comes to us from the year 1063 BC or so! Let's don't chronically miss God's calling, as Samson did. Spend time in reflection over all the
things that God has already spiritually provided YOU. He has given ALL that you need for a life of godliness, just as scripture promises in
II Peter 1:3
Learning about God’s consistent compassion through the story
of Samson, we each need to be motivated to be consistent as well…and RISE to
the occasion! Certainly we need to pay
heed to the Lord’s blessed calling on our lives!
Lord, may we know
you, like Samson! RvH
“Sow for yourselves righteousness,
reap the fruit of unfailing love
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the lord,
until He comes and showers righteousness on you.”
Hosea 10:12
”The Lord will open the heavens,
the storehouse of his bounty,
to send rain on your land in season
and to bless all the work of your hands.”
Deuteronomy 28:12
“Whether you turn to the right or left
your ears will hear a voice behind you saying
“This is the way, walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21
Song Recommendation
What Love Is This
By: Kari Jobe
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