A STORY YOU ONLY THINK YOU KNOW
Hey Deer Flat Family,
We’re getting ready to kick off a short series this Sunday on “The Life of Samson.” This is one of those pieces you’re not going to want to miss. Here’s why: Like most of us, you think you know the story of Samson. I promise you, you don’t.
The story of Samson in the Bible is one of the wildest stories you’ll ever read. But you likely don’t think of it that way, especially if you grew up in church. Samson is often portrayed as a hero on flannel graphs (remember those?!). Nothing could be further from the truth. Samson was one messed up guy.
The problem is we think the story of Samson as a kids story and the story of Samson and Delilah as a love story. But it’s not those things.
This story is full of obnoxious violence, crude language, and plenty of sexual situations. It’s not a story of love, and it’s certainly not a story that’s totally appropriate for kids. It would have an “R” rating in our day. Rather it’s a cautionary tale of how not to live.
This is a story that we need to revisit and look at with fresh eyes. I think if you do that you will be shocked at what we’ll read and be challenged in your faith.
Here’s a few thoughts worth consideration as an overview of the series.
- God created you for a higher purpose.
In the book of Judges (chapters 13-16) we meet Manoah and his wife, a couple who were unable to have children until God intervened in their situation. More than that, God placed a special calling on their soon-to-be-born son, Samson, even before he had been knit together in his mother’s womb.
Samson was handpicked by God to liberate God’s people. Samson grew up knowing God’s will for his life. His parents made sure he heard the story of how he had been chosen by God before he was born. His marching orders were made clear by the angel of the Lord who had visited his parents. Moreover, God gave him supernatural strength, so Samson had everything he needed to deliver God’s people, Israel, from the oppressive hands of the Philistines. I’ll show you this on Sunday.
God chose you, too. God chose you, and gave you a purpose before you were even born. When God created heaven and earth, he knew that one day you would find yourself right where you are at this moment. You have been created in the image of God, and you were made for a purpose. One of the most important things you can do, then, is to seek God’s guidance concerning what your main mission should be, and how you can best fulfill it.
“See then that you walk carefully, not as fools, but as wise men, making the most of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:15-17).
- You’ll need God’s strength to fulfill His calling.
Samson’s story illustrates how God wants to enable us to fulfill the calling He’s given us. Samson could only further his mission as God gave him strength. Without that strength, he could do nothing; with it, he was completely unstoppable.
The biblical message to us is that we can confidently say with Paul, “I can do all things because of Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).
Our real purpose is not simply to work 9 to 5. God has a plan to use you in unique ways to help build His kingdom. Have you discovered that purpose yet? If so, have you thrown yourself wholeheartedly into it? How different would our lives, our families, our churches and our communities be if we walked with a greater sense of mission, along with steadfast trust in God’s strength to help us fulfill it?
Where in your life do you need an encounter with God’s strength? Maybe it is for how you parent your children or love your spouse in difficult circumstances. Maybe you need God’s strength to walk through hardship. Maybe you need God’s strength to step in the direction of a dream He has put on your heart. Wherever you are, His strength is there for the taking.
But be warned: When you discover the purpose God has for you, and you tap into the strength he wants to give you, there will also be people who attempt to come against you. One more thing…
- You will face opposition while fulfilling God’s call.
You probably know that Samson faced all kinds of resistance as he sought to fulfill God’s calling. He was not only opposed by the Philistines, but sometimes by his fellow countrymen, and even by the woman he loved, Delilah. In addition, Samson was often his own worst enemy.
In much the same way, as we seek to honor God and to obey his leadings in our lives, we’re going to face opposition. Jesus said in John 15:20, “”A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.'” A chapter later, Jesus says, “In this world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
So seek after God’s purpose for your life; count on his strength to help you fulfill it, rely on his wisdom and abiding presence to overcome obstacles, and with his help, you can walk in the supernatural strength of the God who helped Samson.
You can win the battles God has called you to win and leave the God-honoring legacy he wants you to leave.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:4-5).
I can’t wait to see you this Sunday. Come expecting a fantastic Lord’s Day. I can’t wait to see you! Why not include a friend and bring them with you?
Lovingly,
Pastor D