And the woman bore a son and called his name Samson. And the young man grew, and the Lord blessed him. Judges 13:24
Each year, I attempt to read through the Bible. Every time, I discover new things that I've missed before - verses that seem as though they must be brand new, for I cannot recall having read them before. And then there are stories that are just a bit odd, and that leave me with more questions than answers.
I just finished reading through Judges a few days ago, and I am once again puzzled. Much in the book of Judges seems incomplete, and, in some ways, inconsistent with my small understanding of the ways of God.
Which brings me to Samson...
As I consider once again the story of Samson, I am left scratching my head. After the Scriptures tell us in Judges 13:24 that "the Lord blessed him," the chapters that follow give us details about Samson's life. As I read about the things that Samson did and how he treated the people around him, I do not see a young man who is blessed of God and called to help his people. I see a spoiled, manipulative, arrogant, lying punk who repeatedly engages in sexual sin throughout his lifetime. In all that I read of Samson in the book of Judges, I don't find any redeeming qualities in him. In chapter 15 of Judges, God gives Samson a great victory over his enemies, and rather than giving glory to God, we see Samson pitch a fit because he's thirsty! He is not the kind of man I would have chosen to be a leader of any kind, much less the judge of a nation.
But clearly, the Lord saw Samson a bit differently. After the whining and carrying on, God split open a rock and gave Samson water (Judges 15:19). That would NOT have been my response...
As I read Samson's story, I struggle. I really do not understand. This is not a hero to emulate. He did not set a good example for the people of Israel to follow. His lifestyle was not characterized by godly living, but by blatant, habitual, unrepentant sin.
And to add to my confusion, consider what the writer of Hebrews has to say about Samson:
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Hebrews 11:32-34
Samson is listed among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11!
I find myself wishing that the Lord would have included a bit more information in the Bible about some of Samson's finer moments, because the stories that are there are not very complimentary. So I am left asking, "Why?" Why did God choose Samson? Why was someone like him allowed to judge Israel for twenty years? Why is Samson listed and remembered as a hero of faith when he lived such an unfaithful life?
I don't know if I have the answer to those questions, but as I have pondered the matter, I have been reminded a bit about the sovereignty of God. He can do what He wants, how He wants, and it is not required that I understand.
But, too, I am oddly encouraged. If God can take a "screw-up" like Samson and still accomplish His purposes, perhaps there is hope for a "screw-up" like me. Perhaps, the stories of Samson are there to remind me that no shortcoming of mine can stop the purposes of God.
So whatever mistake you're dwelling on today, I'd like to refer you to the life of Samson. I'd venture to guess that your mistakes pale in comparison to the escapades of the famous strong man of the Bible.
Be encouraged that you are not beyond the reach of a loving and gracious heavenly Father who is ready and willing to redeem your past and Who still has great plans for your future!
...Just a thought...
