Rewind: Samson

Rewind

Samson's Story

This week Brad helped us kick off our new series on looking into the lives of Christ followers from the Old Testament. We started by checking out the sensational story of Samson. From ripping up lions to setting a village on fire with a circle of 300 foxes, Samson was no joke. The Spirit of God was on him. But, each time he chose to disobey and keep secrets from those he loved most, he stepped closer and closer to darkness. There were three rules that God gave Samson. He couldn't drink alcohol, touch a dead animal, or cut his hair. When he chose to disobey God to gratify his needs, he fell straight into disaster. Samson fell for a trap. Delilah, a spy for the Philistines (who were not so thrilled with Samson at this point), convinced him to share the secret of his strength. While Samson was sleeping Delilah cut his hair. The Philistines were there at just the "right time". Samson's eyes were gouged out as a part of his torture. A man who went from walking in God's Spirit was now in complete darkness.

As a follower of Christ we have a choice. We can either share God's light and expose the truth to others, or we can walk in darkness. Walking in darkness doesn't come over night. It starts by slowly following our own desires instead of obeying truth. Before you know it, you are blind. Blind and numb to God's Spirit. The Bible says that God's Spirit had left him and he didn't even know it. If that doesn't turn your stomach, I don't know what would. Are you choosing your own feelings and desires over God's best for your life?

Some Christ followers expose light to a world in darkness. If the Spirit lives with in us (which it does if you are a Christian), we can either choose to obey His leading or our own. When we choose to walk in His light others around us will notice. Your life will be like a flooding light to those who are consumed with their own desires. They will take notice at the difference in your life. No one likes to find their way in the dark. It is scary. But who doesn't love walking around carefree on a sunny summer day?

Ask yourself:

1) At home- Am I exposing light and truth when I have disagreements with parents or family?

2)School- Do I work in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord or am I okay with laziness?

3)Relationships-Do I have the habit of gratifying my wants and desires in a relationship instead of being mindful of God's best for me?

Read Samson's story in Judges 13-16.

Prepare to be amazed by God's word!