Read Judges 15-16.
Samson was an answer to prayer and prophecy at his birth. Godly parents raised him. Even before his birth, he had been dedicated to the LORD in a Nazarite vow for life. God used him to avenge and overthrow the oppression of the Philistines. Indeed, he "judged Israel twenty years" (16:31). Yet, his lack of self-discipline, his pride, and his view of women cost him dearly.
Physically, no man or any group of men could match him. But he was totally oblivious to the cunning of immoral women. He used women, toyed with them, and gave into them.
Many have missed the fact that the blessing of his strength came from God, not muscle or long hair. Time and time again, he neglected his spiritual health and strength. The saddest words concerning Samson is found in 16:20-"...he did not know that the LORD had left him."
Here are five
insights for all to learn from Samson's life.
1. Godly parents do not guarantee godly children. We all, as individuals, must give an account to the LORD for our own responses to Him. "So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." (Romans 14:12)
2. We all were designed for a life dedicated to God. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
3. We all need protection from our vulnerabilities. "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." (1 Corinthians 10:12)
4. God will get glory from a life-one way or another. "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)
5. Life is
about fulfilling the purposes of God in our generation. "For David,
after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and
was laid with his fathers and saw corruption." (Acts 13:36)
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