EMPOWERED TO DO EXPLOIT 2
From yesterday's article, I wrote how the man Samson was empowered by God and stirred up by the spirit of God to accomplished his mission as judge and deliverer in Israel. Though known for his feats of strength and listed unghe Hall of faith.
When the deceptive Delilah used seven new bowstrings to prevail on Samson, he scrapped the bowstrings with ease. Judges 16:6-9. When Samson was finally captured and his two eyes plucked out, he turned back to God. His prayers tallied with God's purpose for his life.
He put his hands ongje two center pillars holding the temple, pushing against them with both hands and the temple crashed, killing himself, all the Philistines rulers and their followers. All the people he killed at this occasion were more than the people he killed in his entire life time. Read Judges 16:26-30
In this incident, we see how God as one who hates evil and in His justice punishes evil doers; yet in His love, He answered Samson's prayer. God always honours His name and remains faithful, been when man fails
Tje main factors that made Samson to fall were:
- Disobedience:
When Samson was in Timnah, he met a Philistine woman and decided toarry her. Hebtold his parent of his intentions but they objected to it, advising him to Mary from Israe. His choice of marriage was against God's words from his people.
- Carelessness:
Samson as a Nazarite was not expected to go near a dead body or carcass. He was also not to take wine or strong drink. Samson violated his bowl and ignored the teachings he received from childhood.
- Uncontrollable Habit:
Samson had uncontrollable list for strange women. The fall of Samson was gradual. It all started with little compromises and lowering of God's standards, yet convincing himself that all was well.
Samson finally fell prey to the destructive pressure from Delilah. He revealed who now shaved his hair and called on the Philistines to captured him. With Samson in their custody, they gouged out his eyes, bound him with bronze chains, scorned and mocked him. They later held a great festival, offering sacrifices and praising their god Dragon who they presumed gave them victory over Samson their enemy.
With time his hair grew and his strength also grew. In repentance he cried to God. God answered his prayers as his request was relayed to God's purposes for His life. He put his hands onghe two center pillars that held up the temple. Pushing the two pillars against each other, the temple collapsed. This took his life but brought victory to Israel as he killed more people than he did in his life time
Conclusion
The story of Samson revealed to us that nobody is infallible, Samson continually played with sin and eventually lost his anointing, his two eyes and his life. What a tragedy! Toying with sin can destroy anybody no matter his spiritual height. From the incident, we also learnt of God's enduring mercy and faithfulness to do what He had empowered Samson to accomplish. God always honours His name!