April 2, 2012 (Judges 13-16; 2 Corinthians 2)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “She tormented him with her nagging day after day until he was sick to death of it.” Judges 16:16 NLT
Observation: Samson may have been a man dedicated to God from birth, but he sure didn’t consult God when it came to women. His first wife to be, betrayed him by telling the Philistines the answer to his riddle. She nagged him for days until he finally gave in and told her the answer. Next Samson moved on to a prostitute, and then came Delilah. He fell in love with her, but failed to remember the lessons learned in his past. The Philistines bribed her with money to betray the man that loved her. She asked him the secret of his strength several times but each time Samson kept hidden the true source. Yet after days and days of nagging Samson once again succumbed to the manipulation of a woman.
Application: The story of Samson should be read, and re-read, to every teenage child, boy and girl. The consequences of wrong choices in relationships can lead to disastrous situations for all involved. Men, and women, should seek God wholeheartedly when seeking a spouse. A faithful spouse is hard to find, their value is more precious than riches. Betrayal hurts more than the person who has been betrayed. In the case of Samson and Delilah, not only was Samson killed, but 3000 of the Philistines died as a result of one betrayal. Delilah’s betrayal brought devastating consequences on an entire nation. The lesson for women in this story, be faithful to the man that loves you. The lesson for men in this story, be very patient with a nagging woman, giving in could come with devastating consequences.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me daily. Thank You for the faithful wife You have given me! Thank You for being the center of our lives and relationship. Father, You know well the injustice my enemy has tried to bring on me, yet I ask You to expose the hidden things and bring to light the truth of the matter, right the wrong that has been done and judge the quilty according to Your righteousness. Like Samson, give me the strength to rise up and fight one more time, in Jesus name, Amen!
Amen, again! We know the consequences of living in the flesh and succumbing to carnal desires. Only by living by the Spirit can produce Godly results and prevent such calamities. Preach on, brother!