“His parents did not know that this was from the Lord, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines” (Judges 14:4)
My daily bible reading has taken me into the Book of Judges. Some of the judges are inspiring and deeply spiritual. Others are downright disastrous. And then there’s Samson…
Identified as a deliverer from God even before his conception, he is a man of immense strength but equally immense weakness. His inability to control his own lust and rage will destroy him. Yet, despite his flaws, he fulfils the prophecy about him: he breaks the power of Philistia. His parents clearly despaired of him at times yet ultimately Samson was used spectacularly for God’s purposes. This ambiguous, stubborn, angry, violent brute of a man turns out to be a part of God’s plan.
Of course, it’s always much easier to see someone else’s fault lines than it is to see our own. But it can also be difficult to acknowledge that God can work even through those in whom we can only see the flaws. In addition, though we may not want to admit it, we are ourselves a mixture of strength and weakness.
May we be slow to condemn others and quick to encourage them; reluctant to criticise and generous in praise; and patient with others and self. Samson reminded me of some of the items on George W. Carver’s ‘list of virtues for Christian gentlemen and ladies.’ Carver is famous for his contributions to peanut farming but his real joy and strength was leading a Bible study class. He taught the young men and women that they must “lose without squealing and win without bragging, be too brave to lie and too generous to cheat.” May our strengths wax and our weaknesses wane.