Samson is a biblical character who is both heroic and tragic. He was set apart for God's service from birth and given special abilities to help God's people and fight God's enemies. The tales of his exploits would make the greatest mythical superheroes jealous. In real life, the Philistines cringed at the mention of his name.
Had he developed character and self-control, he might be remembered with some of the great ones of the Bible - Moses, David, Elijah and others. None of them had his strength, his natural ability. But, alas, no. Samson won many great battles but he lost the one that mattered the most, the battle against the power of this own flesh.
Superman had his kryptonite. Samson had women. While his story is introduced in today's reading and will only be completed in tomorrow's, it is a familiar tale. He was a strong man with a weakness for the wrong kind of women. He lived by his passions instead of walking in self-control, so he was easily led astray and the end of his story is not one of glory but of tragedy.
The moral to the story of Samson is pretty simple. What matters most is not our abilities or talents, but the character we build. No man or woman can undertake great tasks for God until he or she builds deep spiritual character - a love for God, moral strength, obedience and holiness. It is of utmost importance that we yield to the Spirit of God as he remakes us in the image of Christ. Our focus must be on becoming like Christ, not just on doing great things for Christ. Samson is a cautionary tale for the man who attempted to do great things without the great character to match - and the story ends in horrible tragedy.
Oh, every blood-bought believer should aspire to significant service to God, but that can never come at the expense of significant transformation. Who we are in Christ is foundational to what we can do for Christ.
Too many servants of God have attempted great things only to be done in by the kryptonite of deficient character.
Father, I've always wanted to serve you in significant ways, but sometimes I forget about who I am in you. Transform me by your Spirit to become like your Son.
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