THE BOOK OF JUDGES records the life of Samson. You might remember him- strong man who was duped by a seductress. A great movement of Philistines migrated to the south coast of Canaan about 1200 B.C. and became the principal enemy of Israel until the time of David. Because of their ability to make iron weapons, they possessed a military advantage.
Interesting, the word “Palestine” is derived from the term “Philistine”. (Just look at the generational mess disobedience causes) God raised up a deliverer in Samson. He was to be a Nazarite and live according to God’s highest standards for His people. Although the LORD had blessed and empowered him with the Spirit, Samson made fatal errors that led to spiritual failure and physical death. He did not anchor his life on God’s Word. He showed a lack of concern and respect for God’s commandments. He disregarded his godly heritage in order to fulfill his own desires. Unlike Moses, who chose to endure adversity with God’s people rather than the passing pleasure of sin:“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” Hebrews 11:24-26
Samson chose to express himself in ways and desires that did not please God. He misused God’s gifts and empowerment for personal gain. During his 23 years as judge, he never succeeded in delivering God’s people. His record consisted of sporadic exploits against that heathen nation. Judges 13-16. So I ask, what might God have accomplished through Samson if he had been FAITHFUL to his calling and genuinely dedicated to God’s purpose for his life as the chosen deliverer of Israel?
There’s a sermon in there. What has He asked you to do? What incredible gifts and talents has He anointed you with? Are you obedient to His calling? God is faithful, and what’s said of Him must be said of His people. Stop looking around at what others are doing for Him. They will answer for their own walk. What are you doing? Will you be found faithful? “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,”1 Timothy 1:12 “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”1 Thessalonians 5:24 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:23 #runyourrace
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