For the last two Saturday nights we have showed the video Samson and Delilah. It has been a challenge to preach on it at Mahula. The overriding theme of Judges is: Israel’s unfaithfulness, God’s punishment, Israel’s repentance and God’s subsequent Salvation through chosen and God empowered leaders (judges).
Samson is such a person delivering Israel from 40 years of oppression by the Philistines. He judged Israel for twenty years and is one of the heroes of the faith (Heb. 11:32). The Judges delivered God’s people from their enemies but it was by the power of the Holy Spirit; again and again we have the statement in Judges, “The Holy Spirit came upon him”. Samson however was a loner who seems to be more interested in women than rescuing his people. His parents were not aware that this interest in women came from the Lord. Further, the movie depicts him as a reluctant leader and savior, more interested in love than war. I think that was the case, he retaliated only when attacked and when he was wronged and treat unjustly. God used him however to put an end to Philistine domination of Israel.
What are the lessons for us today? First, God is in control! He chooses and prepares some very unlikely and flawed persons. Secondly, the Holy Spirit comes upon God’s chosen people in a special way. The work of the Spirit is mysterious and unpredictable, given at times when God deems it important. Third, Gods empowering is directly related to our faith.
The work of missions in Nigeria and every other country hangs in the balance. Commitment to missions in our churches (CRCNA) is faltering given the lack of support for the denominational mission effort. Now is not a time to doubt!
The questions are here before us. Are we in the U.S. as Israel was at this time (Philistines) being influenced and sometimes dominated by a secular, materialistic, and Godless culture? Are we more interested, as Samson was in selfish ambition and self-gratification? It God still able to use the church as he did Samson to free us from slavery? Yes! Yes! and Yes! God will use us, I have no doubt!
“God help us to discern what is needed to proclaim your Word and Salvation, and empower us with a powerful faith and with your Holy Spirit. So that we are set free to help others taste freedom in Christ! In His Name we pray! Amen”.
Heavenhigh 