What are the lessons we can learn from Samson?
Have you ever thought why Samson was included in Hebrews 11, the faith chapter? It seems like the life of Samson is just an episode of disobedience and stubbornness, one from another. Surely, we can justify other people mentioned in Hebrews 11, but Samson? It seems like a difficult task to do.
Samson’s life reveals how God can use human imperfections to fulfill His purpose.
However, if we look deeper into the word of God, we will see why the Apostle Paul counted Samson as a hero of faith. Though his life was a series of breaking God’s commandment, we will soon see that God still works in his life.
In this blog, let us explore the story of Samson. Take some time to read this post and learn the vital lessons from Samson’s life.
Lesson no. 1: We are called to live a holy life
Samson’s name means “like the sun.” He was miraculously conceived after an Angel of the LORD appeared to his barren mother. The Messenger gave an instruction to Samson’s mother about how they should raise the child.
“Now therefore, please be careful not to drink wine or similar drink, and not to eat anything unclean. For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. And no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines” (Judges 13:4-5).
The instruction is clear: Samson would be consecrated and become a Nazirite from birth. It is very clear that Samson should not let a razor come upon his head, drink wine, and eat anything unclean.
The full description of the Nazirite vow is found in Numbers 6. Both men and women can make the Nazirite vow. Nazirites are commanded not just to drink wine, but they also must stay away from grapes or vineyards altogether. This is done to lessen the temptation to sin.
As Christians, we have a higher calling than the pursuit of happiness. It is the pursuit of holiness.
Even though the Nazirite vow can be done within a limited period of time, Samson is made a Nazirite for his whole lifetime (Judges 13:5).
The meaning of Nazirite means “to be separated.” Nazirite has almost same meaning with the word “holy” which means sanctified. Like Samson, we are all called to be separated from this world’s way of life.
In a spiritual sense, we must be all Nazirites, consecrated and separated for God’s purpose. The Nazirite vow is compared to our baptism, signifying our commitment to God.
The Apostle Paul clearly states:
“Come out from among them
and be SEPARATE, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
and I will receive you.”
“I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty” (I Corinthians 6:17-18).
God expects Christians to live a holy life. This means a life that is wholly dedicated to God’s way of life. We must offer our life as a “living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is [our] reason reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of [our] mind, that [we] may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).
So let me ask you these questions:
“When are we going to decide and give 100% of all our being, mind, heart, and strength to God?”
“What are the things that easily ensnare us and prevent us from surrendering our lives to Him?”
“What are the things that are holding us back?”
We are CHRISTIANS. We are not just Christians during church services. We are not just Christians when we are surrounded by our church mates. We are not just Christians when things are going according to plan and are very convenient for us.
No, that is not Christianity, that’s HUMANITY! If we are to say that we believe in Christ and our actions show the exact opposite, then we are not fooling anyone, but ourselves. Christianity is not merely a feel-good and part-time duty. It demands all our being. It demands HOLINESS.
The life of a Christian is a life of overcoming. It is NOT a life of conforming. Any dead fish can swim down a river, but it takes a live and strong fish to go against the current. In the same way that it takes an active, zealous, and faithful Christian to go against the influence of this world and eventually be part of God’s Kingdom.
So decide to be a holy Christian today and do your best to make it to the family of God.
This post originally appeared on BecomingChristians.com and was republished with permission. The article was written by Joshua Infantado.
Joshua’s Outpost is a source for men to find encouragement to be bold in their faith and walk with Jesus Christ.
