Topic: Success and Failure
The book of Judges teaches us a lesson on success and failure. Everything we come to know and understand is built over time on the foundation of trial and error.
Judges highlights the problem with self-sufficiency, self-centeredness and misuse of God’s gifts. Samson (Judges 13-16) was a warrior who subdued an entire army with a donkey’s jawbone as a weapon. He would become King and rule for twenty years. A period when his enemies would band together, to try and find a way to regain power. They would use money, a beautiful woman named Delilah and pride to get him to fail.
While Samson succeeded in avoiding the devil’s scheme three times over 20 years, he ultimately gave in to his idol–the beautiful Delilah. Just like the words from the devil in the garden of Eden, Delilah convinced Samson that surely God wouldn’t turn his back on him if he violated his Nazarite vow. A mistake he paid for with his strength and ironically, physically with his eyes.
This is the point where I believe Samson realizes his failure. He realizes the arrogance of self-sufficiency, the laziness of complacency and the lack of honor a broken oath generates. It’s the moment He returns to God and looks to amend his error through self-sacrifice and furthering God's plan for God’s chosen people.
Ultimately, Samson’s humiliation succeeds in humbling Samson enough to internalize the truth of God’s love, gifts and blessings in His life. Samson sees how he squandered them through his pride, his idol and believing in his own intelligence and strength. Samson paid the ultimate price to reclaim his purpose in God’s eyes by dying to protect God's chosen.
Any unwillingness, complacency or lack of accountability to follow through on our vow to Jesus is a sin that can shake our foundation and when the rains come, many just give up. Just quit and go fishing. That’s what the disciples did after Jesus died. They didn’t know what to do so they followed Peter back to the fishing boat only to discover the truth. Jesus wasn't leaving them. He was empowering them with the Holy Spirit to take their turn to live up to their vow. A vow that they would all be willing to die for.
God’s plan cannot be derailed by our sin. Sin brings serious consequences and pain, so it is far better for us if God works through our obedience to accomplish His purposes. As you read Judges, may the lessons of obedience and disobedience be observed and used to strengthen your faith in Jesus.
See you Sunday,
Dr. Scott Kallem