Samson is the most famous person in today's reading. His great strength, I suppose, causes him to be so well known. His colorful exploits make him a popular figure in children's lessons and VBS. However, his life is no children's story. It's definitely R-rated. Violence, prostitution, gambling and carousing are all part of Samson's life. All this in the life of a man who had taken the Nazarite vow...to live a life completely dedicated to God.
Once again, I am reminded that everyone sins. I suppose there is comfort in this, though I'm not sure there should be. God worked through Samson because God chose to work through Samson...it was God who was working, not Samson. I think maybe Samson forgot that when he was fooling around with Delilah.
There's a very telling statement in 16:20 where it says: "But he did not know that the LORD had left him."
I want to be used by God, and Samson's example shows me that God can use anyone...even me, I suppose. But I need to make sure that I remain aware of the fact that if any good thing is done by God through me that it's all God.
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