Men of the Scripture: Samson

His name means “Little Sun.”

His work: Samson was one of the famous deliverers under the leadership of Joshua. He had delivered Israel from the Philistines.

His character: He was a man of mythic strength but inwardly weak; surrendered to anger and unfaithful to his Nazirite vows. He was a better man when he paid attention to the call God placed his life. He had erotic attachments to foreign women, Delilah, which led to his death. His prayers and actions against the Philistines were motivated by the desire for personal vengeance.

His Sorrow: He squandered the promise of his life by living it in a self-centered, self-directed way. He was blinded and imprisoned by his lifelong enemies.

Promises:
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).

The Lord Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand” (Isaiah 14:24).

Legacy in the Bible: Judge 15:14-19; 16:15-31

Reflection:
Samson’s story reminds us of God’s faithfulness and of His ability to deliver His people regardless of the circumstances and sins. It awakens us to what will happen when we allow ourselves to be attached to material things and people which is destruction.

Perhaps, his prayers to God, even though centered on a desire to take revenge towards his captors show an evidence of repentance and readiness to God’s calling.

We thank God for the strength. We confess any broken promise that we have made to God. We ask him to make us persons of strengths. May His plans and purpose for us stand firm forever. (Feedback: 09106793441) (Edgardo R. Sara | Kiblawan)