Title: Learn From Samson
Memorize: Then Samson called to the Lord, saying, “O Lord God, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!”. Judges 16:28 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Judges 16:23-30 (Nkjv)
[23] Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice. And they said: “Our god has delivered into our hands Samson our enemy!”
[24] When the people saw him, they praised their god; for they said: “Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy, The destroyer of our land, And the one who multiplied our dead.”
[25] So it happened, when their hearts were merry, that they said, “Call for Samson, that he may perform for us.” So they called for Samson from the prison, and he performed for them. And they stationed him between the pillars.
[26] Then Samson said to the lad who held him by the hand, “Let me feel the pillars which support the temple, so that I can lean on them.”
[27] Now the temple was full of men and women. All the lords of the Philistines were there—about three thousand men and women on the roof watching while Samson performed.
[28] Then Samson called to the Lord, saying, “O Lord God, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!”
[29] And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars which supported the temple, and he braced himself against them, one on his right and the other on his left.
[30] Then Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than he had killed in his life.
Message:
Samson was a very strong man whose strength was rooted in his hair. Before Samson’s birth, his parents had received instructions from an angel that was meant to guide him throughout his lifetime.
He was chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from their enemies, the Philistines.
Samson did many incredible things, like killing a lion with his bare hands, uprooting a mighty city gate, and even killing thousands of Philistines with the jawbone of an ass.
However, he had a weakness – women. He fell in love with women from the enemy’s camp, and this eventually led to his misfortune.
After he was captured and ridiculed by the enemies, he remembered to pray to God.
The Lord Almighty, in His infinite mercy, restored his strength, and he was able to defeat his enemies. However, he died with them and did not fully fulfil his purpose.
My dear child, do not let your emotions and weaknesses rule you; rather, make decisions that will shape your life positively and pray for God’s guidance in every step you want to take.
Samson allowed lust to rule his heart and take over God’s space in his life, and he regretted it. I pray for you today that your destiny will not be cut short, in Jesus’ name.
Praeyr Point:
Father, please uproot anything that will hinder me from fulfilling my purpose, in Jesus’ name.
HYMN 55: CHRISTIAN, SEEK NOT YET REPOSE
1 Christian, Seek Not Yet Repose;
Hear Thy Guardian Angel Say,
“Thou Art In The Midst Of Foes:
Watch And Pray!”
2 Principalities And Powers,
Mustering Their Unseen Array,
Wait For Thy Unguarded Hours:
“Watch And Pray.”
3 Gird Thy Heavenly Armour On;
Wear It Every Night And Day
Ambush’d Lies The Evil One:
“Watch And Pray.”
4 Hear The Victors Who O’ercame;
Still They Mark Each Warrior’s Way;
All With One Sweet Voice Exclaim,
“Watch And Pray!”
5 Hear, Above AlI, Hear Thy Lord,
Him Thou Lovest To Obey;
Hide Within Thy Heart His Word:
“Watch And Pra!.”
6 Watch, As If On That Alone
Hung The Issue Of The Day;
Pray, That Help May Be Sent Down:
Watch And Pray.
Bible In One Year: Zephaniah 1:1-3:20, Revelation 10:1-11
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye