For the last two posts, part 1 and part 2, we’ve been discussing Samson and how He was prepared to “begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines” (Judges 13: 5)
The action started in Judges 14: 2 when Samson says “A young Philistine woman in Timnah caught my eye. I want to marry her. Get her for me.”
But wait a minute! The law clearly states that the Israelites were not to marry foreigners:
Deuteronomy 7: 3 You must not intermarry with them. Do not let your daughters and sons marry their sons and daughters
Just hold on, we’re about to read a truth that only the New Testament reveals.
Galatians 5: 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
Just so you know there are more than a few episodes in Scripture that we can see this happen.
It is no wonder Samson’s parents were so upset.
What Samson wanted to do and ended up doing was strictly forbidden by Mosaic Law. Imagine, if Samson wasn’t “filled with the Spirit” or “led by the Spirit” he probably would’ve kept in line with his parents. But it was God’s plan to use Samson to “work against the Philistines” and God is sovereign.
You can say all you want about Samson’s character and activities, but the fact that he made it into the “hall of faith” says a lot:
Hebrews 11: 32 How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets.
If the Scripture writers didn’t condemn or put Samson in a negative light, why should we?
And now for Samson’s final act
What God was able to do through Samson’s death, after losing his strength and being enslaved, is nothing short of miraculous. Take a look at the end of his life:
Judges 16: 28 Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.” 29 Then Samson put his hands on the two center pillars that held up the temple. Pushing against them with both hands, 30 he prayed, “Let me die with the Philistines.” And the temple crashed down on the Philistine rulers and all the people. So he killed more people when he died than he had during his entire lifetime.
And now, a reminder from the Apostle Paul…
Galatians 5: 1 So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.
Need I say more?
There is much more to be learned in Galatians 4 and 5.
Will you allow His Spirit lead you?
“Dear Lord, Please help me to learn all that you have to teach me. Lead me in such a way that I will desire more of you and recognize that I am on your path. This excites me Lord, but I don’t know what to expect. Please help me with my fears and thank you for all you are doing for me and leading me into truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.”