Hello friends! Today we conclude Samson's story. Samson's final story is tragic, but also a redemption story in my opinion. More on that below though! Let's jump in and see how God can both encourage and challenge us today.
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
What does this teach me about God?
What does this teach me about humanity?
What does this teach me about the relationship between the two?
What is the common theme across these 3 chapters?
What about this sticks out to me? Why?
- My Thoughts -
I believe that the common theme across these 3 chapter is idolatry. It's obvious with the last two chapters, but I believe that Samson is a story about idolatry as well. If you read my thoughts yesterday you would know that I found this story to be tragic and was struck how Samson never gave credit to God for his absurd powers. Today, I want to conclude those thoughts. We all gifts given to us by God. Sure, maybe it's not hulk like strength like Samson but we all have gifts. Some of us can play music really well, some of us can sing really well, speak well, good at sports, good at big picture projects, small details, etc. The fine line exists between using our skills for God's will and giving God glory and worshipping our skills for our own clout. Samson was someone who become overly confident (and insecure) because of his great strength and it led to his downfall. It wasn't until his final sacrifice that he gave the credit to God.
For example, I am a good runner, and I am good public speaker (unless I say something that challenges than you than I'm just an arrogant ignorant piece of ssssss......yanno) But if I don't give God any credit to these things when I lose them I'm no longer "someone". I feel lost without running if God isn't a part of my running. I feel lost without preaching if God isn't the first motivator of a message. So long as a God as the steady backbone of our life, our talents, skills, and passions are just an outflow of our worship.
It's a small thing...but I believe it's what separates us from lasting happiness and a leaning tower of dissatisfaction.
Prayer:
God, I will worship you today. I will worship you with a warm smile when I think of the blessings I have received. I will worship you with my lungs as I take in a deep breath and feel the very byproduct of your spirit moving throughout my body. I will worship you with my eyes as I look upon your majesty - flora, fauna, and humankind alike. I will worship you today, Lord, in all that I do. Amen.
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