Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. (James 1:14)
WOULD SAMSON FOLLOW GOD or embrace temptation and serve self? Unfortunately, Samson the strongman of the Old Testament, elected to serve self. He picked a pagan woman as his wife. In doing so, Samson chose to honor another god. “Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Ex. 34:14).
In addition to choosing another god, he violated his obligations as a Nazirite. The Nazirite rule specified requirements and restrictions and involved a decision, an action, and a desire to yield oneself completely to God. The person making the vow needed to: abstain from fermented drink, refuse to go near a dead body, and prohibit anyone from cutting their hair. Samson violated the vow by drinking wine at his wedding and looking at and touching a lion’s carcass. Then he allowed his long hair, which was his God ordained strength, to be cut by the Philistines.
After the last locks of his hair fell to the ground, the strength of the Lord left Samson. He remembered the Lord was the source of his strength. One last time he cried out, “O Sovereign Lord, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more” (Judg. 16:28).
Have you fallen like Samson? Confess, repent, and return to follow Jesus. Following and serving the Lord is not a game.
Be alert for an opportunity to serve Christ rather than self.
Priscilla Tate Gilmore can be found visiting flower nurseries, at the coast, or sitting by the fire on a rainy day.
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
