Without a doubt, women play a crucial role in the story of Samson. He was perhaps the most problematical personality in the Bible; he was captured due to his need for sexual gratification and then died seeking personal revenge. While Samson had some very obvious failings, he continued to have faith in the one true God. As a result, he is promised salvation in Hebrews 11:32 - 32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets. (There is Barak again-remember him from back on February 8th?) The story of Samson gives me hope. Despite my failings and sin, I can receive forgiveness and salvation if I trust in God. God can even use our weakness and sin for his own purposes. (Of course, he would rather we were faithful and obedient, but when we are not he sometimes uses the opportunity to achieve his own ends.) God hates idolatry and paganism. We live in an age of tolerance and pluralism and it is easy to forget that God calls all human beings to worship and obey him. Paul said in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. By the way, the prohibition against marrying unbelievers is still applies today. How can you develop and maintain healthy relationships with members of the opposite sex? We need to listen to what Paul had to say in Ephesians 5:22-33.
It has always encouraged me to see Samson listed as one of the heroes of the faith along with Gideon and Barak (Heb. 11:32). Each of these men had severe shortcomings: Gideon led the people into idolatry (Judges 8:22-28); Barak was fearful and was not given the glory for the victory (Judges 4:9); and Samson had a seemingly unquenchable desire for foreign women (Judges 14). Yet, these men were used mightily by God to deliver His people. God does not have to wait for us to be right with Him to use us to His glory.
This can best be seen, I think, in the crucifixion of Christ. The people of Israel and the Roman rulers put Christ to death for sinful reasons. However, they did nothing that God had not predestined for them to do, “for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. ” (Acts 4:27–28, ESV) Through the sinful act of these people, God’s plan to redeem His people was being moved forward.
The question then is not if you will be used by God, but how you will be used by God. Will it be to demonstrate his wrath and justice or will it be to demonstrate His grace and mercy (see Romans 9:22-23)? Will it be from a hardened heart acting in rebellion to Him (as Pharaoh in Exodus) or a willing, joyful, and obedient heart? So let us pray that God will give us a heart of flesh that we may be obedient to Him (Ezekiel 11:19-20). Also, let us not be overly discouraged when we do fail, knowing that God sinful people to accomplish his purposes.
Without a doubt, women play a crucial role in the story of Samson. He was perhaps the most problematical personality in the Bible; he was captured due to his need for sexual gratification and then died seeking personal revenge.
ReplyDeleteWhile Samson had some very obvious failings, he continued to have faith in the one true God. As a result, he is promised salvation in Hebrews 11:32 - 32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets. (There is Barak again-remember him from back on February 8th?)
The story of Samson gives me hope. Despite my failings and sin, I can receive forgiveness and salvation if I trust in God. God can even use our weakness and sin for his own purposes. (Of course, he would rather we were faithful and obedient, but when we are not he sometimes uses the opportunity to achieve his own ends.)
God hates idolatry and paganism. We live in an age of tolerance and pluralism and it is easy to forget that God calls all human beings to worship and obey him. Paul said in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
By the way, the prohibition against marrying unbelievers is still applies today.
How can you develop and maintain healthy relationships with members of the opposite sex? We need to listen to what Paul had to say in Ephesians 5:22-33.
It has always encouraged me to see Samson listed as one of the heroes of the faith along with Gideon and Barak (Heb. 11:32). Each of these men had severe shortcomings: Gideon led the people into idolatry (Judges 8:22-28); Barak was fearful and was not given the glory for the victory (Judges 4:9); and Samson had a seemingly unquenchable desire for foreign women (Judges 14). Yet, these men were used mightily by God to deliver His people. God does not have to wait for us to be right with Him to use us to His glory.
ReplyDeleteThis can best be seen, I think, in the crucifixion of Christ. The people of Israel and the Roman rulers put Christ to death for sinful reasons. However, they did nothing that God had not predestined for them to do, “for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. ” (Acts 4:27–28, ESV) Through the sinful act of these people, God’s plan to redeem His people was being moved forward.
The question then is not if you will be used by God, but how you will be used by God. Will it be to demonstrate his wrath and justice or will it be to demonstrate His grace and mercy (see Romans 9:22-23)? Will it be from a hardened heart acting in rebellion to Him (as Pharaoh in Exodus) or a willing, joyful, and obedient heart? So let us pray that God will give us a heart of flesh that we may be obedient to Him (Ezekiel 11:19-20). Also, let us not be overly discouraged when we do fail, knowing that God sinful people to accomplish his purposes.
Preach it brother!
ReplyDelete