Day 15 – Samson (Judges 1 – 21)

There is a lot to talk about in regards to Samson – God giving him special strength, violating the law by eating honey out of a carcass (even just touching it), wasting his God-given gift on a woman (think with your HEAD, Samson!), and asking God for a favor for the sole purpose of avenging the loss of his eyes (A.K.A. revenge on the Phillistines). (Judges 13 – 16)  All in all, Samson seems pretty self-centered!  Sound familiar?  It does to me, too.

What can we learn from Samson?  What is the take away from his story?  Here are some things that come to mind:

• Seek God’s guidance in using our gifts
• Use our gifts to glorify God, not bring others down
• Protect against worldly temptations (Delilah) which render our gifts powerless
• Be obedient to God rather than serving selfish personal desires

Samson seemed to have it all in the beginning.  He was chosen by God before birth.  He was strong and capable.  He didn’t seem to have any trouble attracting the ladies, though he made poor choices in who he entertained.  His character weakness brought him down in the end.  He did hard labor in prison, had his eyes gouged out, harbored the need to avenge, and died doing so – well, at least God granted Samson’s final request.

My prayer for today:

Lord, thank you for my gifts and talents.  Help me not to waste them foolishly, but use them for your benefit.  Let my service to you be pleasing.  Remove worldly distractions and any “Delilahs” in my life.  Amen

Add a comment May 27, 2010