Today's Scripture
Samson’s Death – Judges 16:23-30
Today’s Reading Schedule: Judges 16-18 – Click to read
23 The rulers of the Philistines gathered together to make a great sacrifice to their god Dagon and to hold a celebration. They cheered, “Our god has handed us Samson our enemy!” 24 When the people saw him, they praised their god, for they said, “Our god has handed us our enemy, the very one who devastated our land and killed so many of our people.” 25 At the height of the celebration, they said, “Call for Samson so he can perform for us!” So they called Samson from the prison, and he performed in front of them. Then they had him stand between the pillars.
26 Samson said to the young man who led him by the hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that hold up the temple, so I can lean on them.” 27 Now the temple was filled with men and women. All the rulers of the Philistines were there, and about three thousand more men and women were on the roof watching as Samson performed. 28 Then Samson called out to the Lord, “Lord God, please remember me! Make me strong just this once more, God, so I can have revenge on the Philistines, just one act of revenge for my two eyes.” 29 Samson grabbed the two central pillars that held up the temple. He leaned against one with his right hand and the other with his left. 30 And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” He strained with all his might, and the temple collapsed on the rulers and all the people who were in it. So it turned out that he killed more people in his death than he did during his life.
Devotion
What Does the passage Mean to Me/US?
In a way, Samson’s behavior and decisions led him to become a prisoner to Philistines.
Even though he was a chosen one, and even he saw God working in his life in many different ways, he led a life different from his calling.
A calling to be a Nazarite was disowned by his actions. If you are interested to read more about his vows, I would like to direct you to this blog post I found.
Samson is now being mocked in front of the Philistines. He can’t see, he is exhausted, and he doesn’t have the power he used to have.
However, this is also a great time for him to remember that he was able to do all things through the power God gave him, instead of his own might. It is a time when he is humbled, with complete reliance on God’s might. And ironically, that is the time he is most powerful.
We often think we are able to do things on our own might and ability.
We so often forget that all that I did and do are possible, only through the grace of God.
It shouldn’t take us to hit the rock bottom to understand that all we have done is possible through God.
Prayer
Lord, humble us in your power. Help us to see how we need you every day and every moment. In Christ name, AMEN.
Click to subscribe to our Daily Devotion.
You will receive a devotion in your inbox every morning.