Bible Reading Blog
“Not Those Who Shrink Back”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Judges 15
Samson is one of the most difficult of the judges to understand and evaluate. He had certain glaring weaknesses of character which are made prominent in scripture, and we tend to think of him poorly. It is easy to regard him as a person from whom to learn negatively rather than positively. But we should be carful about judging him too harshly. After all, he is in the hall of faith for a reason…
A key event regarding his faith occurs in Judges 15. With just the jawbone of a donkey Samson killed 1,000 Philistine men (15.15). Afterwards, Samson acknowledged it was God who gave him the strength for this victory (15.18). Sure, he had a personal vendetta (15.11), but Samson knew his calling and strength were given on purpose, from God (see 13.25; 14.4-6; 15.18). Although obstinate and proud in many ways, from the start, Samson credited God with his strength and power, even calling on God to continue supplying him (15.18-19).
Samson was resolute about God’s power even when the odds were against him. Consider the events leading up this victory. His own countrymen freely handed him over to the Philistines (15.10-14). They were afraid of the trouble he would cause them. I think we can understand that on a human level. But their actions showed cowardice rather than faith. Samson’s strength was evident but the people were more inclined to let the enemy win. Perhaps they didn’t know of Samson’s calling and saw his actions as rash. Obviously they had a spirit of fear that was thoughtless of God’s power or presence. Either way, unlike other judges, Samson’s countrymen didn’t support him (15.11-12).
Certainly this would be a challenge to anyone’s faith. Imagine, being surrounded by 3,000 Christians (some who you went to church with) and being told not to stand against false teaching. The people who ought to encourage you to trust more are calling you to back down and let the enemy win. This was Samson’s test of faith. Many would fold in this situation. The pressure and weakness of others can cause us to distrust God’s promises. But Samson didn’t fold and instead he subdued the enemies of God. Sometimes by faith we need to stand where no one else stands. Sometimes we need to show our brethren that it is God who fights for us and who will prevail if we trust in him.
To be clear: Samson’s pride and sensual nature are nothing to be praised. But when it came to trusting in God, he was unwavering. He acted with the belief that God’s strength would be accomplished through him. We don’t have the physical enemies of Samson, but we live in a time where godless agendas not only have a voice but significant support and momentum. Our belief system is seen as narrow-minded, outdated and hateful. Many will stand against us from the outside. Sometimes even those we know and love will be our “enemies”. But this is nothing new. Like Samson we must learn to be resolute in our faith, being firmly rooted in the power of God. By faith, “let us hold fast our confession of hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10.23), for “we are not those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” (Hebrews 10.39).
