RPG Adults
SAMSON (XIV)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Judges 16:6-14
Proverbs 5:1-14
“Lest strangers be filled
with thy wealth…”
SAMSON (XIV)
As one reads the account of how Delilah enticed and discovered the secret of Samson’s strength, one may be tempted to ask: How could Samson not be suspicious? How could he not have known? Some would think they would fare better than Samson. How ignorant we are of the depths and extent of our depravity! What we have in this section are the lulling and dulling effects of our sinful lusts. We also see the persistent nature and charm of the tempter. The scripture rightfully exhorts: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12). And again: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Gal 6:1).
“And Delilah said to Samson…And Samson said unto her…” (Judg 16:6-7). This sequence recurs throughout the narrative. Sin entertained eventually overpowers! Delilah was diligent and persistent in her pursuit; Samson was playful and teasing in his response. He was blinded by his passion and the sensual satisfaction he found in her that he casually allowed her to delve into very sensitive matters. Just like Eve’s conversation with the serpent in the garden (Gen 3:1-6), there is great folly in entertaining sin, even if it seems to be in harmless conversations. It is probable that each lie Samson gave encouraged Delilah to be persistent. The only recourse that ensures one’s safety when under temptation is the one seen in Joseph’s encounter with Potiphar’s wife which is also commanded by the Apostle in his exhortations for personal conduct and relationships in 2 Timothy 2:14- 26. There must be topics shunned so that purity may be maintained. Lusts and deep-seated desires must be avoided at all costs that we may be vessels of honour meet for the Master’s use. Many a time, like Samson, our backslidings begin unbeknown to us through the things we entertain and allow. We think them trivial or inconsequential and we entertain them to our own hurt and detriment. How many doubts have arisen because of the questions we entertained? How many compromises have led us astray?
THOUGHT: (Read Proverbs 23:26-28.)
PRAYER: My self-confidence led me to sin. Forgive me, Father.