SCRIPTURE:
But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, for she looks good to me...”
Judges 14:3
OBSERVATION:
The life of Samson is reminiscent of Jesus Christ. He was chosen before he was born to deliver the Israelites from oppression. He took the Nazarite vow, which meant he must avoid drinking alcohol, coming in contact with dead bodies, and cutting his hair. He was called to live holy. However, he violated almost all these criteria and more. In fact, he married a Philistine woman. God commanded them not to intermarry with foreign countries, lest they rebel and follow other gods. Samson was called to be a savior, but he was found lacking.
Samson was a lesser Jesus. Where he failed, Jesus Christ overcame. Samson did what he wanted. Jesus did the will of the Father. Samson lusted after what the world wanted. Jesus forsook the desires of the world and laid down his life. Samson fought and killed many. Jesus fought, died, and saved all. Samson lived by sight. Jesus lived by faith. The theme of Judges is “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” They didn’t do what they thought was wrong, but what they thought was right, and this birthed anarchy. Jesus did what was right in the eyes of the Father, and He brought peace.
APPLICATION:
Jesus is the greater Samson. The power in the Kingdom of God is not found in might or long hair. It is found in obedience. The issue in the world is that we think things look good to us, so we do them. However, what if I began asking how I can live for Jesus for the next 40 years? How can the trajectory of my life please the Father?
Samson had it all. Jesus gave it all. The Kingdom is upside down. Disney used to have a quote in the training manual that went like this: “Disney will be a place where the kings become common, and the common become kings.” The world changes when kings become servants. Jesus Christ was such a leader. He put on the flesh and dwelt among us. Therefore, I will do the same. I will pick up the servant’s towel and begin washing feet.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, would You guide me to live and think like You. The world says take, when You say give. The world says do it your way, when you say do it Your way. The world says give me the glory, when you say give Him the glory. Lord would You help me to do the same. Amen.
