Why Did Samson Not Stop?
Henry Omotayo
Why Did Samson Not Stop! (Judges 16:4-21)
Message No. 0505 | Twitter @GodandUs |
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Samson was raised by God as one of the judges of Israel. The days of the judges were days when there were no kings in Israel, nor were there clear leaders like Moses or Joshua. From time to time, God raised judges to deliver Israel from the oppression of their enemies – oppressions ignited principally by their sins. As a judge, Samson needed to possess qualities that God could use, so God raised him as a Nazarite, right from his mother’s womb. God gave clear instructions regarding him, including, that no razor should touch his head (Judges 13:2-5).
When Samson grew up, he developed a taste for foreign women, against God’s instructions to Israel. Nevertheless, God permitted this because He was going to use such associations to penetrate the midst of the Philistines and to empower Samson to wreak havoc on them. However, Samson saw himself as invincible and became reckless. Just take a look at his association with Delilah. As soon as the lords of the Philistines knew that Samson was in love with her, they came to Delilah, to bribe her for one specific purpose: that they may bind Samson, to afflict him. With five lords of the Philistines promising to give Delilah 1,100 pieces of silver, the reward for selling her lover to death was set at USD3,520.
In Judges 16:6, the Bible records the conversation between Delilah and Samson:
So Delilah said to Samson, “Please tell me where your great strength lies, and with what you may be bound to afflict you.” And Samson said to her, “If they bind me with seven fresh bowstrings, not yet dried, then I shall become weak, and be like any other man.”
When I read this, I said to myself, what! Your so-called lover came to you and asked you so directly where your power lies and how you may be bound to afflict you? Is this not enough indication of trouble? In the world I live in, the lady would ask so kindly that Samson would not suspect her intentions: “Wow, you’re so powerful, my love, and I love you so much. I like the way you deal with those my tribe’s people and how you really humble those arrogant fools. Lol. By the way, can I make you a cup of smoothies to cool your throat and recoup you some energy? Or, does your energy come from somewhere else? How come you’re so powerful? Where is the source of my darling strongman’s power? (Smiles)” This pretense would gradually bring Samson into a conversation he probably shouldn’t be having, but coming so straight to him and obtaining his cooperation was really surprising.
Is there something you’re into that is so interesting or so captivating to you that your eyes and mind are completely blinded to impending danger? Are you in a relationship that God does not approve, and you are being warned by the Holy Spirit, but you have decided to not heed the warnings? Are you in a business contract that your spirit is warning you about, but you are so looking at the reward and turning deaf ears to God’s warning? Have you been cutting corners, knowing that what you’re doing is not right but you’re hesitating to stop? Are you diverting public funds or church funds or other funds for your personal use? Isn’t it time to stop?
Samson was so engrossed in his love for Delilah that he refused to see that imminent death was coming his way. Despite Delilah’s several attempts and simulating of attack of the Philistines on Samson, he still went ahead and told Delilah his heaven-ordained secrets. Why did Samson not stop? Why was he so blinded by love that was not reciprocal? How could he have been so reckless with his life and his ministry as to allow the devil to win the battle over his life?
Please examine your own life today and see if there’s any way that you are behaving like Samson. If yes, then I encourage you to stop. The devil may be spiritually instigating what is happening, but the ultimate responsibility is on you to stop. Do not say that it is too late to stop. The prodigal son went away with his father’s funds and wasted all of it, yet, he woke up one morning and decided to go back home. Please come back home to Christ. He is waiting to forgive you and deliver you from that obsession. As you take steps to stop and return to God, may His Spirit guide you, may His love welcome you back, and may your deliverance be total, in Jesus’ name. Amen. Have a blessed week!
PLEASE ACT NOW:
If you are yet to give your life to Christ, you do not have a covenant with God and His promises do not apply to you. To come under these promises, please surrender your life to Christ today, by praying this prayer:
Lord I know that I am a sinner and I am unable to save myself. I am sorry for my sins and I pray that you please forgive me. I am aware that Your Son Jesus died for my sins and I accept Him as my Lord and savior. I surrender my life unto you from this moment. Please take control of my entire being and help me to be obedient to your Word, going forward. Thank you, Lord, for hearing me. I have prayed in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed the foregoing prayer, you have just been born again. Please find a Bible believing church in your area and ask to see the pastor. Let him or her know that you have just given your life to Christ and s/he will guide you on next steps in your journey as a child of God. The Lord bless you!
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