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SAMSON (V)
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Judges 14:1-4

Proverbs 3:1-8

 

“Be not wise
in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD…”

 

SAMSON (V)
 
When God calls, what does He require from man? When God uses us, what does it indicate? The birth and development of Samson is summarised by the faithfulness of God to His Word and that of his parents to God’s Word. The Proverbs instruct us: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov 22:6). This indicates that there is parental responsibility to “train up a child” and there is also the child’s personal responsibility to “not depart from it.” The life accounts of Samson present to us the failure in his personal responsibility through wilful disobedience of what he knew and was taught concerning the Word and will of God for his call and life.
 
“And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman…” (Judg 14:1). The personal account of Samson begins with his straying from the ways of the LORD and from the teachings of his parents. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov 14:12). This may be an appropriate summary of Samson’s forays. The account that led him down the “ways of death” is in the choice of a wife, a matter to which the world constantly shouts: “follow your heart,” “love is blind,” “love knows no bounds” and other such statements. In such a matter concerning the choice of a wife or husband, our flesh and human nature (like Samson) seek to play tyrant and overrule the Word and will of God. And to many of us (like Samson), it sets us on a road away from God, filled with many heartaches, disappointment and regrets.
 
“But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD…” (Judg 14:4). Though we are subject to our imperfections and submit to our lusts, which lead us astray and pierce us with many sorrows, God in His sovereignty can use them for His glory to fulfil His purposes and design for our lives. But we may still have to suffer the consequences and the hurt that accompany our sinful strayings. God is sovereign over all things. When He calls, He requires us to be responsible through obedience to His Word and will in our daily choices.
 
THOUGHT: Wilful error has no profit; obedience brings no regrets.

PRAYER: Father, help me to obey Thee daily.

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