Day 94 – Judges 13-15

Talking Points

• The Israelites fail and face God’s judgment for 40 years at the hands of the Philistines.
• The Angel of the Lord, a preincarnate visitation of Christ, appears to a couple, promising them a son who will deliver a nation. It will be a miraculous birth, since the woman has previously been barren.
• The couple is astounded by the visitation and call His appearance “very awesome.” They seek God’s wisdom in how to raise their son for the purpose of the LORD — a great example for all generations. What if you knew you were raising your child to be used by God? In actuality, we are!

Thoughts

In Samson’s life, we see the difference between a person being used to save God’s people and God being the Savior, Himself. Just like Moses and many others, Samson is sent and commissioned by God as a tool of His salvation. He is supernaturally empowered for the great act, but he is not God.

As we watch Samson, he is a mess. He is heartbreaking. He is driven by his own lusts, choosing a pagan wife because she appealed to his eyes (14:3). He is ruled by his own flesh and operates according to his logic. He fights, he feasts, and he seeks his own revenge. He is prideful in the strength God has given him. And, still, God has chosen to use him. It’s hard not to read the account and be disappointed by God’s deliverer, Samson. Be clear: he is a person used by God to save His people, but he is not God.

Enter Jesus. Where Moses sinned, He never does! Where Samson disappoints, He never will! He is not a tool of deliverance, He is God’s deliverance. He is just, and He is kind. He is loving and self-giving. He seeks God’s glory and serves it alone. He is perfect. Totally perfect! And, because He is, His salvation is perfect. A perfect salvation from a perfect Savior!

“Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him…” Hebrews 7:25