Today's Readings: New Testament -
Luke 23:38-43
1 Corinthians 12:1-13
Old Testament -
Psalms 88
Judges 13-15
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: Judges 14:3-4
3 His father and mother replied, "Isn't there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?" But Samson said to his father, "Get her for me. She's the right one for me." 4 (His parents did not know that this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel.)
Insight:
Samson is not very likable or honorable. He shows himself to be brash, selfish, impulsive, violent, spoiled, disrespectful, deceptive, quarrelsome, and self-absorbed. During his time, the Israelites were living among the Philistines and were dominated by them. To the dismay of his parents, Samson decided (and demanded) to marry a Philistine woman.
Samson is a stunning reminder that not every person used by God is a good example of how to follow God. Samson's flaws were much bigger than his muscles, but God used him to accomplish his will to save his people. The redemptive power of God is so great that he can use even the failings of a person to accomplish a greater good. God can hit a home run with a broken bat.
God's ability to redeem our failures, however, does not mean that God wills or needs us to sin. Samson learned the hard way that it is possible to be used by God and still lose sight of God. How much better it would have been for Samson, had he loved the Lord God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength!
Response & Action:
I want to know and honor God, not just be used by him. I want to set my heart on things above, to love God with everything I have, to know His will, and to walk in His ways. I want my doing to flow out of my being. I want my service to God to flow out of my love for God. I will commit myself to living a righteous and pure life for God's glory, trusting that this will result in joy, fulfillment, purpose, and fruitful labor.
O God, draw me to you. Give me a pure and devoted heart. Strengthen me to love, obey, honor, and serve you. Help me to flee the evil desires of youth, and to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. And then, O Lord, use me to accomplish your purposes and your will. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: 2 Timothy 2:20-21
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
Resources:
Following After God: What Difference Does God Make
by Daniel Hill
