Samson’s birth was miraculous, being born of a barren woman. His mission was incredible, to deliver his people from their oppressors. There was his Nazarene vow, to serve God and live a life separate from the world. And he possessed a supernatural strength; he once slew a thousand men using only the jawbone of a donkey. From where did his amazing strength derive, from his uncut hair? Actually his power came from the Spirit, his hair being a sign of his covenant with God. (Judges 13:2-5, 24,25; 14:6,19; 15:14,15).
Yet despite all of God’s blessings this strong man repeatedly succumbed to moral weakness. One can be the physically strongest person on the planet, but without a daily connection to God one can become the spiritually weakest. Using the siren Delilah, the Philistines lured Samson into a fatal trap. Delilah seduced him and in his vulnerability he exposed the secret of his power, his uncut hair. The enemy cut his hair as he slept and his strength ebbed away. The Spirit had to let him go, as Samson had wilfully severed his covenant with God, through unbelief and self-sufficiency. The enemy could now blind and bind him. (Judges 16:16-21).
Yet Samson’s name is recorded among God’s faithful (Hebrews 11:32-34). How can this be? Because it was in defeat that Samson found victory. At rock bottom his eyes shifted upwards towards God and in his blindness he gained sight. Samson saw his need and came to know God alone was his strength.
The Philistines put the bound Samson on display in their temple, mocking him and the God of Heaven. But Samson’s hair had grown back in time and with it his faith in God. He was chained to two weight bearing pillars. With outstretched arms and great force, he pushed the pillars apart causing their fall. With the temple’s collapse, came the demise of many Philistines, as well as his own. The Philistine’s victory turned into defeat, while Samson’s defeat turned into a final triumph. (Judges 16:22-30).
Is this not a shadow of the cross? For on the cross Jesus outstretched his arms to topple the twin pillars of sin and death? Although death pulled Jesus into its bosom, his subsequent resurrection brought triumph from apparent defeat. Of course Jesus’ victory was ensured due to his sinless life, while Samson’s defeat came as he succumbed to the wiles of the flesh. But have we not all “sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23,24). Indeed! But the good news is that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. And when we put our faith in Him, His meritorious life is credited to us; His victory becomes our victory.
Even though late in Samson’ life, it was none too late, nor is it for any of us. Through the Spirit, God will give us strength to overcome our weaknesses. But one must turn away from the darkness and turn to Christ. If you do, you too will prevail.
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