This week in studying about Samson, it really brings to the forefront how we can easily be doing our own thing, going after what we want, instead of seeking God and obeying Him. Samson’s strength came from God, but he forgot that and got prideful in his own strength. He went after whatever he wanted without any regard to God and His commands and ways and totally left God out of his choices.
Samson didn’t realize that God had left him until he went to use his powers after Delilah, a woman he wanted for pleasure, betrayed him. Now Samson ended up being captured and both of his eyes gouged out, and the Philistines used him as a grinder of grain and to entertain them. When they had him brought out to entertain them, the temple was full of men and women. All the leaders were there plus about 3000 men and women watching from the rooftop. Samson asked the young man who was leading him by the hand to put him between the pillars that held the temple so he could lean against them.
Samson cried out to God to remember him. Samson took hold of the two pillars supporting the temple and leaned against them and said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” He was broken and God heard his heart cry. The temple fell. Samson had come to the end of himself and that’s when he found God’s strength again.
This serves as a warning for us that compromise creeps into our hearts. His story reflects the rebellion of Israel’s heart at the time. Bit by bit compromise comes in and takes over, and we find ourselves in the muck and mire of the world and far from God’s ways. The beautiful grace and mercy that was extended to Samson also awaits us when we return to God and turn from sin. We can be rebelling in ways we aren’t even aware of and that’s why we must call on God to search us.
Maybe like me, you need a spiritual checkup on a regular basis. We can ask God to search us and reveal any wicked ways in us. His word promises if we confess our sin He is faithful and will forgive us.
Had a checkup lately?
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1John 1:9 NAS
Blessings,
The WM Team
Red Bank Baptist Women's Ministry 