Samson - Born to Rule
Yet, He never learned to govern Himself
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Samson's downfall did not happen precipitately, but it came about as it commonly happens in the lives of all men. Yet, in many respects, his defeat was almost predictable. You don't have to be a prophet to foresee a particular individual's destruction. When a man places another human being, a career, material possessions, or himself before loyalty to God, and His laws (Word), he removes from under him th only unyielding support which is strong enough to help him stand under the most overwhelming situations. Simply put, a man's ruin does not simply materialize; it is primarily brought upon him by personal neglect of his responsibilities to God. As Samson's indifference toward his role as Judge and his vow of purity increased, his commitment to God waned. As a result, he became increasingly vulnerable, moving onward totally unaware, that he was drawing closer to compromising the true source of his strength. Samson ruled for twenty years, not surprisingly, the exact thing, he had trusted in for so long, to bail him out of trouble, would ultimately become the cause of his fall. That his strength became his weakness, is cause for us to reflect on some of the things we instinctively lean on for help when we are in situations of unyielding stress. Where does our strength lie? Does it rest in God's Spirit, or in our secular or ministerial success, financial affluence, academic training, intuition, resourcefulness, charisma, or our gift of persuasion? Sometimes its difficult to know. At times, because we often become self-sufficient, and blinded to our flaws, we show how little we know of ourselves. Satan, our adversary, knows much more about us than what some of us care to give him credit for. Unlike the Philistines, who could not figure out what made Samson so strong; he does know where the secret of our strength lies. He also knows where our weaknesses lie.
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About the Book
Samson experienced the difficulty of finding the balance between his service to the lord and the more important obligation of maintaining a healthy relationship with God. In the end, not finding that balance, proved to be the contributing factor to a life of mediocrity, a weakened resistance to temptation, and his fateful demise.
About the Author
In his first book, titled “Between the Promise and Fulfillment – Why God delays in Fulfilling a Promise” the author used the example of Abraham and Sarah as a means to show the effect of delays, on one’s faith, especially as one waits for a promise to be fulfilled.
He challenges Christians to learn the value of waiting patiently, the purpose of delays, and why one must guard against the natural inclination, which is present in all men, to take matters into his own hands, in an attempt, to personally fulfill what the Lord promises to do by His Spirit.
In this book, Peter Cruz examines the story of the life of Samson, from the time before his birth, to his fateful death. He discloses the strengths and weaknesses, of a man, who was divinely called to greatness, but ultimately failed to fully accomplish his God given purpose in life, because he never learned to govern his passions.
An array of other topics, included within the primary theme, makes this work an interesting read. Hopefully, the reader will find this book as thought-provoking as the author envisioned. If, at the end, he is motivated to look at Scriptures, more carefully, with the intent of learning more about God and himself, then the objective of the author would have been satisfied. In the end, it is his desire, above all, to see love for the knowledge of God and His word, increased amongst His people, in a greater measure.
This is not a ‘new story’ or ‘new truths’ that the author makes known. If anything, it is the same ancient story, that so many have read, which he presents in a light to provoke thought, and fuel a pursuit of a personal and deeper investigation of the biblical facts, surrounding this enigmatic character. To be truthful, the author would say, that his study, was actually prompted by dissatisfaction with traditional interpretations, which occasionally overlooked other significant truths, that were divinely provided to enhance our knowledge of God, and are vital for our balanced spiritual development.
Primarily, the author’s major concern, is that the Body of Christ, come to a more accurate and fuller understanding of God’s word; more specifically, in regards to the believer’s personal responsibility, and commitment, to live at the height of the measure God intended.
In conclusion, I hope to have satisfied the objective, of clearly articulating, what I have understood to be the mind of the Spirit. In the end, the reader, through a careful and Spirit led examination of this work, will determine whether this message reflects God’s heart or not. It is my sincere desire and prayer, that the Lord completely and continually bless His people, and fulfill His will in the lives of each one of His precious saints.
May God’s grace be upon you always, and may He give you His peace.