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Judges 16

Good Morning “Perfectly Imperfect.”  Today we are in Judges 16.

Sampson was a mess!  Perhaps one of the oddest choices of a Servant of The Lord we see in Scripture.  Although faithful at times, even appearing in the “Hall of Faith” (Hebrews 11) along side names like David and Samuel - he was a loose cannon.  Sampson seems to be constantly playing with fire, and getting burned along the way.  

Here we see another story, with one of his greatest weaknesses center stage - women.  Delilah is another woman who we assume is also a Philistine. She’s the enemy.  She seems bent on his destruction from the get go.  We see him playing along!  Why?  In hopes of winning her love, even if it costs him is life?  After she ties him up 3 times, does he not get a clue she’s trying to get him killed?  Is he so blinded by love that he does not care?  Or is he so full of pride that he believes God will never take his power?  

He, by telling her the truth, violates his Nazarite vow once again when she shaves his head.  God does exactly that - removes his power.  God removed his strength.  Yet, even from the Temple of Dagon God hears Sampson’s plea and strengthens him once again.  He goes out with his boots on!  He goes out doing what God called him to do in the first place… battle the Philistines.  He ruled Israel for 20 years.  Imagine how much more successful he might have been with less distraction.

What do we make of this?  Yesterday I challenged us all to stand against evil!  To step up and not be so content on “keeping the peace” that we allow it, accept it, even condone it!  We’re called to wage war against it!  Don’t think for a second you’re not qualified to do so because you’re imperfect!  That perfectly qualifies you in Gods economy!  Don’t let yourself become distracted with sin!  It is the enemy!  Yet, even in the midst of a new low for Sampson God hears his cry and answers.  God may knock us down for discipline sake, (Hebrews 12:6) but He will never cast us out, or cut us off.  He’s always waiting for our repentance.  (1 John 1:9)

Love you all!  Dig in!