Scripture Text: Judges 15:1-20
When he came to Lehi, the Philistines came shouting to meet him. Then the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him, and the ropes that were on his arms became as flax that has caught fire, and his bonds melted off his hands. And he found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, and put out his hand and took it, and with it he struck 1,000 men.
Judges 15:14-15
When Samson visited his wife, he found out that his father-in-law gave her to his best man. That's why he hated the Philistine people even more. Due to Samson's intense anger, he burnt the Philistines' grain fields, including the stacked grain, standing grain, vineyards, and olive orchards using the 300 foxes with fire.
The Philistine authorities became angry, and they found out that Samson was solely responsible for the loss of their food. Because of their anger, they burnt Samson's wife, including his father-in-law. Samson, in turn, attacked them viciously and slaughtered many of them. Then he went down and stayed in a cave in the rock of Etam.
So the Philistines forced the people of Judah to give Samson to them as a prisoner because, at that time, they were under the rule of the Philistines. The 3,000 men of Judah went to the cave of Etam to convince Samson to surrender to the Philistine authority, seeking his consent to tie his two hands with new big ropes. They then brought Samson to the Philistines at Lehi and handed him over to them. The Philistine people shouted victoriously.
Suddenly, the Spirit of the Lord powerfully and mightily came upon Samson, taking control of him and giving him great power and strength. Samson found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, put out his hand and took it, and with it, he struck 1,000 Philistine men (vv 14, 15).
Reflect
When God takes over and assumes full control, many impossible things happen. In this Bible story, God shows us that He is the source of strength, providing people with the power and strength to battle against their enemies. When faced with difficult situations, whom do you call upon for strength? What is the source of your strength? Do you rely on Jesus for strength?
How do you utilize the strength you receive from Jesus? Do you use it to save more souls through evangelism and discipleship?
Remember
The empowerment of the Holy Spirit is essential for us as believers-followers of Jesus to fulfill the mission entrusted by the Lord.
Read
2 Timothy 4:17; Romans 16:25-26; Philippians 4:12-13; 1 Peter 5:10
Pray
Father, thank You for the story of Samson, reminding us that You hold the power to accomplish wonderful things for Your purpose. We pray that You continue to bless us and give us the power to fulfill the things You want us to do for Your glory, in Jesus' name. AMEN!
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