Today's Readings - Judges 13-14, Luke 11:1–28, Psalm 48:1–3, Proverbs 11:1-2
Devotional
There was a Bible story cartoon series that our children loved when they were small, put out by Hanna Barbera. I was a little shocked when they released one on the story of Samson. Certainly, he is a hero of epic proportions if you ignore the parts of his story that make him a tragic failure, a cautionary tale - and certainly not a kid's story! He was an ancient Superman - the very mention of his name made the Philistines cringe - until it was found that he had Kryptonite that could lead to his undoing.
Had he developed character and self-control, he might be remembered with some of the great ones of the Bible alongside 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.
That was Samson's kryptonite - 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. At every point he did what he wanted, took what he desired, and never resisted temptation. This was his undoing.
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.
Think and Pray
Consider that the sufferings and trials of your life may be God's exercise, teaching and training you to build the character you need to be what God wants you to be.
Christians must live by God's word not their own wants or desires.
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