Samson was God’s Nazirite specifically created to serve as a deliverer for Israelites. However, he failed God and could not absolutely deliver his people from Philistines their oppressors. Samson lost focus as an Israelite leader; he did not lead a single national battle against the Philistines – but he fought some fragmented wars against them. Meanwhile, Samson flirted with Philistine women, and he refused to marry anyone from his homeland. His passion and interest remained with Philistine women, and he would only attack the Philistines whenever they tamper with his love life. Sadly enough, the Philistine leaders knew Samson’s special interest in forbidden women, and they were determined to prey on his weakness. They employed their women to set traps for Samson to capture and array him for execution. Philistines hired Samson’s wife (Delilah) – who was also a Philistine – to seek the secret of Samson’s power. The scripture reported,
“She pestered him daily with her words and pressed him, so that his soul was vexed to death” (Judges 16:16). Eventually, Samson fell for the trick, and he detailed the secret of his strength. Samson told Delilah “No razor has ever come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaven, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man” (Judges 16:17).
Since Samson has exposed his secret, the enemies did not hesitate to shave him. They arrested him, gorged out his two eyes, and the rest is history. Samson eventually died in the camp of his enemies.
Lesson:
Children of God must be careful not to abuse the grace of God upon their lives. It is God’s job to equip us with grace, but it is our job to maintain the grace bestowed. We must ensure to appropriately use God’s grace and channel them in fashions that will glorify God. There are consequences to follow inappropriate use of God’s grace and talents. Therefore, all servants of God must be careful to satisfy God in their commissions.
Prayer:
Dear God, please do not let me abuse your grace in my life. Help me to fear and carefully follow all your instructions so that I can prosper in life and ministry. I also pray that you frustrate all enemies’ schemes aim to sabotage your grace in my life. Let my enemies fail; let me serve you well, and let me receive your goodly rewards in this life – and in heaven also. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.
