The Story - Chapter 8 - Judges 17
God has a plan for each of us. The reason for our existence is
usually not clear to us but in God’s time, we fulfill our purpose. Our sinful
nature often brings us to that purpose on a very round about path. We make our lives
far more difficult than God intended them to be. Sometimes we learn from our
behaviors-good and not so good, and on other occasions, if we pay attention, we
learn from the actions of others. What can we take away from the life and deeds
of Samson? I believe there are many, but the strength we think of at the
mention of his name is somewhat deceiving.
The women who appeared dainty and beautiful were relentless
and obviously not truly in love with Samson-it was lust that attracted them to him. The same is true of Samson’s draw to the women. One wonders why he kept
going back for more when all they wanted was information from him that would
cause his demise. It was likely sinful pleasure. Though Samson was known for
his strength he was, in reality easily manipulated, and weak.
It was only when he looked to God that things went as they were
intended to. Samson was a bully, a destroyer not a builder. He is remembered
for his strength not his self control. He lived by his biceps instead of his
precepts. He could get women, but was unable to keep them. He did not let
God-honoring core values dictate his actions.
In the end, The Lord used Samson and his God-given strength
to destroy the Philistines. That was his final mission. He was doing it out of revenge;
however it was part of the plan all along-God’s plan, not Samson’s. This story
brings me to the question of “the dash.” On our grave stones or urns will be
the dates of our birth and death, but the dash in between is the important
part. How do we live our dash? Was our time God lead, or self lead? Samson is
remembered for his strength, but if closely investigated we see his strength
was his greatest weakness. I think I’m
going to go examine my dash!
Read Judges 16 here
Listen to Judges 16 here
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