This week we continue in the Book of Judges. Last week we met Deborah and talked about her issue, reliability. This week we will focus on a more famous Judge, Samson. Many of you probably know of Samson from early childhood Bible coloring sheets. But his story deserves a deeper, more adult look. So, let’s get started. Samson is born in Chapter 13 of Judges. We quickly learn that he is a special child. In fact, he is consecrated for the Lord, a Nazarite. One of the important things that Nazarites adhered to was that they weren’t supposed to cut their hair. This becomes key later in the story.
When you read Samson’s story, you will see that the phrase “the spirit of the Lord” recurs many times throughout the narrative. The way a Nazarite showed that the Lord was with him was in not cutting his hair. Anyway, watch for the phrase as you read.
Let’s skip ahead in Samson’s story. Look at Judges 14:6. This highlights Samson’s issue, his strength. In Chapter 15 we learn that he defeats the Philistines. He judged Israel for twenty years. Look at Judges 16:3. Samson is using his strength in wise ways. He is very aware that it is a gift from God and he is using it to help God’s people.
Now enters, Delilah. Many of you have also heard of her. She is Samson’s downfall. I’m sure many men can relate to their story. Let’s talk a look at it. Read Judges 16:4-21. Delilah wore him down with her many words. I think the men in my life might say the same of me. In the process of trying to appease his lover, Samson reveals the very thing that gave him his strength. He allows his hair to be cut. This symbolized his connection with God. Don’t miss what happens in verse 20, “he did not realize that the Lord had left him.” Those words chill me. Oh that we wouldn’t have the same fate.
Samson offered his strength to Delilah to please her. But see it wasn’t his to give. It came from God and at this point God removes it. Samson is weak and alone in prison. Luckily, God never really leaves us. This is shown in verse 22. His hair begins to grow back, meaning his connection with God and his strength. Lets’ skip ahead to verses 26-30 to see how Samson’s story ends. He offered his strength up to save his people. He was successful even though it cost him his very life.
This week let’s look at the role strength plays in our own lives. It can be a double edged sword. If you have too little of it, you aren’t using what God gave you. If you have too much of it, you are using it for yourself and not for God and others.
The dictionary describes strength as “being strong, the ability to accomplish a task, energy, firepower, might, capacity, effectiveness, usefulness.” When Samson was on, he had these qualities. When he squandered away what God had given him, he had none. Let’s look at strength is our own lives this week.
Ask yourself the following questions:
Have I squandered away the strength God has given me?
Do I use my strength to honor God and help others?
Have I allowed others to draw me away from God?
Do I have too much or too little strength?
Has the spirit of the Lord left me and I have been unaware? What can I do to correct that?
What can I learn from Samson?
