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SAMSON (XI)
LORD’S DAY, FEBRUARY 19
Judges 15:14-20

1 Kings 18:41-19:7

 

“…It is enough; now, O LORD…for

I am not better than my fathers.”

 

SAMSON (XI)
 
Unlike the other judges, Samson would fight alone. He did not assemble an army, neither was he called to head one. His battles against the Philistines began with him being delivered up to the Philistines by his own kindred. As God pleases, He would, in the course of our service to Him, raise up those who would work with us and support us. However, even when no one stands with us, God is still able to use us. What is important is not how many we have “on our side,” standing with us, but rather, the assurance that we are standing for the LORD and for the truth of His Word.
 
“…and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him…” (Judg 15:14). The men of Judah were about to be witnesses of nothing short of a miracle. The Philistines, taunting Samson, probably thought they had him bound and thus helpless. At the same time, the men of Judah indicated (by their delivering of Samson) their acceptance of the sorry state under Philistine oppression. Unfortunately, the shouts of victory turned into the confusion and agony of defeat by an act of God. The LORD is able to strengthen one man against an army, and through that one man with nothing but the jaw bone of an ass, God accomplished a great slaughter.
 
“And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD…” (Judg 15:18). The feat of the day under the empowering of the Spirit of the LORD took a toll on the body. Victory was gained over the enemy, but energy and strength were drained from the body. Samson was left parched and thirsty, and he knew that what he needed could not be gotten by strength or might, but by favour and grace of the LORD. So he called on the LORD. God graciously provided for His servant and revived his spirit without chiding him. Though no support is found, the lonely man leaning on God is refreshed. God’s work may be taxing, and at times may be done alone with no help from man, but it will never lack the grace and supply of the ever-present and ever-gracious Master who cares for His children.
 
THOUGHT: Through faith we will conquer.

PRAYER: (“Look ever to Jesus He’ll carry you through.”)

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