Read Judges 15
Highlights:
Samson is denied his wife; Samson slays a thousand Philistines; his moral weakness; the secret of Samson's great strength revealed to Delilah; Samson avenged in his death; Micah's images and hired priests.
And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah (Judg. 16:4).
Samson did not go to Sorek (in Philistine territory) for the purpose of seeing Delilah. But when he saw her, he was attracted to her. Once again he was sidetracked from his mission in life.
Samson probably went to Sorek for the same reason he went to Timnath — to seek an occasion against the Philistines (14:4). But in the twenty years he judged Israel, we have no recordSamson prays for guidance to fulfill his calling. Consequently, he fell short of completing the will of God for his life.
Was Solomon thinking of Samson as he wrote, For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life (Prov. 6:26)? Samson underestimated the power of lust. He thought he had it under control, but it finally controlled him. The hero who had never lost a battle in twenty years became a slave because he continued to lust for women.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death (James 1:15).
Samson's life was typical of the spiritual condition of the nation who had lost the vision of the Covenant promise to claim Canaan as the Lord's possession. Not once in the twenty years of his leadership do we read of his building an altar or praying for guidance to fulfill his calling. His natural ability and physical strength gave him an independent, self-sufficient spirit. He did that which was right in his own eyes (Judg. 17:6).
Satan effectively seeks to cut off the usefulness of every Christian as he did Samson. Our only safeguard is a daily dependence on the Lord. The person who is unfaithful in praying and meditating daily upon the Word of God, will, like Samson, be misdirected and eventually lose the purpose of the call of God for his life. When Christ rules our life, our chief concern will be, "What would Jesus have me do?"
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (I Cor. 9:27).
Thought for Today:
Sin often appears attractive, but the end results are ugly.
Christ Revealed:
Through the strength God gave to Samson for his last victory over the Philistines (Judg. 16:28-30). I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil. 4:13).
Word Studies:
15:2 hated, disliked; 15:3 a displeasure, great evil; 16:5 afflict him, hold him captive; 16:16 vexed, pestered, harassed, annoyed; 16:21 fetters, chains; 16:25 make us sport, entertain us; 17:5 teraphim, household idols.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Government Official: Rep. David B. McKinley (WI) • Country: Yemen (17 million) in southwestern Arabia • Major language: Arabic • Attempts to convert Muslims to Christ are fiercely opposed • 98% Muslim; .03% Christian (all secret believers) • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for your Christian friends (Phil. 1:4).
Optional Reading: John 19
Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:16
