“Then Samson called to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.’ And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other. 30 And Samson said, ‘Let me die with the Philistines.’ Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life.” (v28-30)
Samson led a mixed life: he was a Nazirite from birth, wholly devoted to the Lord’s work, yet he broke his vow many times. Despite his missteps, God did not cease to work in and through Samson to aid Israel in their captivity. This is a glimmer of hope for all of us who have sinned from time to time (that’s me).
My weekend was a little offbeat – I spent all day Saturday helping someone with a project and yesterday I spent most of the day being lazy. I’m a little bit of a video game addict, and wasted a great deal of time yesterday playing such games. I realize that God commands us to rest one day a week, but I didn’t spend any time in His word, so the day didn’t feel that restful. Even days where I’m “unproductive” can feel “productive” when I spend dedicated time with God – unfortunately, I didn’t do that this weekend.
God still wants to be in relationship with me, even though I avoided Him all weekend. God still honored His partnership with Samson, even though Samson ignored God many times. I guess Samson and I have something in common.
My encouragement for today is no matter how badly we think we’ve screwed up, no matter how far from God we wander, God still wants us back. It’s never too late to reconcile with God as long as we’re still breathing. Let’s draw near to Him, as He draws near to us. Let’s take advantage of this physical isolation, and decreased demands on our time, and invest in our relationship with Him.
Father God, our Sovereign King, You are merciful and full of abundant grace. Please forgive us Father, for we sometimes wander off the path of righteousness. Please guide our feet back to the path You have for us, and please forgive our sins. Please help us to continue being Christlike examples in this world, directing people to You by the way we speak and act. In the name of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training