Tag: lost potential
Sampson’s carnal nature!
Scripture reading for March 13th: Judges 13-16
The story of Samson shows how the supernatural power and anointing of God can be lost through giving in to the carnal nature. Samson was born by supernatural intervention to a couple who was childless. His parents carefully listened to the instructions of an angel and raised this boy as a Nazarite, one set apart by God. (Numbers 6:1-21) God revealed His plan to use him to deliver the Israelites after 40 years of bondage to the Philistines. (Judges 13:1)
As Samson grew, he was attracted to a Philistine woman in the town of Timnah. He asked his parents to get her for him. The Bible states that this was from the Lord, although his parents did not understand and sought to direct him to get a bride from his own people. (Judges 14:3-4) This is difficult to understand. God specifically warns us not to intermarry with those outside the faith. (2nd Corinthians 6:14) In this instance, God used Samson’s carnal tendencies to accomplish His purposes, but it is not meant to be a pattern at all!
Samson’s marriage to this woman never came about because she was given to one of his friends! This filled Samson with the desire for revenge. He was attracted to prostitutes and carnal women. These proved to be his downfall! How often men of God are distracted by their flesh! How the mighty have fallen!
At the end of his life, Samson was in captivity, both of his eyes gouged out. There, he was mocked at a gathering of Philistine officials. The first recorded prayer where Samson asks for God’s help is recorded here. (Judges 16:28) God faithfully answers the cry of this man and he was once again given supernatural strength. God used him to destroy more of the Philistines in his death than in his life!
God can use us in spite of our sinfulness and carnal nature but there are consequences. What we sow we will reap. (Galatians 6:7) We must guard against the carnal nature. It has the potential to blind us and take us to our death. May God bless you to humbly follow Him today today!
Samson’s only recorded prayer: “O Sovereign Lord, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” (Judges 16:28)
Lost Potential–Samson
Scripture reading for March 13: Judges 13-16
The story of Samson is a mix of the supernatural power and anointing of God and the lowest of our carnal nature. Samson was born by supernatural intervention to a couple who was childless. His parents carefully listened to the instructions of an angel and raised this boy as a Nazarite, one set apart by God. (Numbers 6:1-21) God’s Spirit began to stir Samson early in his life. God was going to use him to deliver the Israelites from 40 years of bondage to the Philistines. This bondage was a result of idolatry and evil in God’s sight. (Judges 13:1)
As Samson grew, he was attracted to a Philistine woman in the town of Timnah. He asked his parents to get her for him. The Bible states that this was from the Lord, although his parents did not understand and sought to direct him to get a bride from his own people. (Judges 14:3-4) This is difficult to understand. God specifically warns us not to intermarry with those outside the faith. (2nd Corinthians 6:14) In this instance, God used Samson’s carnal tendencies to accomplish His purposes in attacking the enemies of his people. It is not meant to be a pattern at all!
Samson’s marriage to this woman never happened. She was given to one of his friends in the bridal company! This seemed to fill Samson with the desire for revenge. His anger and impulsiveness moved him to get even. God used this too, but how much better to follow the Lord by prayer and listening to His instructions! Samson impulsively ate honey out of a lion’s carcass, a violation of the Nazerite vow. He was attracted to prostitutes and carnal women. These proved to be his downfall! How often men of God are distracted by their flesh! How the mighty have fallen!
At the end of his life, Samson was in captivity, both of his eyes gouged out. There, he was mocked at a gathering of Philistine officials. The first recorded prayer where Samson asks for God’s help is recorded here. (Judges 16:28) God faithfully answers the cry of this man who could have been such a mighty force to deliver. He was once again given supernatural strength and God used him to destroy more of the Philistines in his death than in his life!
What can we learn today? God chooses to use us in spite of our sinfulness and carnal nature but there are consequences. What we sow we will reap. God is never mocked! (Galatians 6:7) We, however, can be deceived! We must guard against the carnal nature. It has the potential to blind us and take us to our death! How much better to walk in the Spirit and humbly follow Jesus each day! God bless you in doing that today!
Samson’s only recorded prayer: “O Sovereign Lord, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” (Judges 16:28)