*260
T H E K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S
June, 1938
Points and Problems 1. The character of Samson is in itself an interesting study. After one has read all his amazing exploits, his mixture of sardonic humor and rather callous cruelty, his im pulsive willfulness, his inability to control the passions of his magnificent body, it be comes increasingly clear that Samson from beginning to the tragic end remains a great spoiled child. The first time he speaks in Scripture, we have the key to his whole character. While still a youth, he happened to see a Philistine woman that pleased him. T o the protests of his outraged parents he is wholly deaf. ‘-'Get her for me," he de mands, “ for she pleaseth me well” (Judg. 14:1-3). In this one brief episode we may see not only his character, but also perhaps the home environment in which it developed. Samson was the first-born and probably the only son of a woman who had been barren. It was just the sort of situation that might result in a spoiled child. 2. “ The Spirit of the Lord, came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand” (14:6). W e may learn here not only something about the great strength of the man Samson, but also that the Spirit of God may manifest His power in the physical realm. W e forgot this sometimes, in drawing a contrast between spiritual and material things. Those of us who believe that the kingdom of God will one day be established on earth as literally as the kingdom of Great Britain exists are often criticized un fairly. W e take a spiritual kingdom, they complain, and make it a physical and ma terial affair. But they forget one of the clearest truths of the Bible—namely, that a purely spiritual force may manifest itself tangibly in a material world. 3. “If I be shaven, then my strength will go" (16:17). This does not mean that his great strength was the product of his hair, as the scoffers like to assert the Bible teaches. The Bible teaches that God gave Samson his strength. The long hair was only the symbol of his Nazaritic vow to God. He lost his strength when he broke his vow. Golden Text Illustration E phesians 6:10 An editorial in the Christian Advocate recalls an incident that carries encourage ment for those who may be called upon to take a bold stand in the strength of the Lord. A corner saloon on West Street, New York City, is being converted—that is the word— into a store. It has been known to genera tions of New Jersey commuters as “ a rum- hole,” and many a young man has got a bad start at its bar and in its back room— for it was one with a “ family entrance.” The editor passing by recently commented on the change to the successful clothing merchant at his side. Said the man, “ That saloon nearly cost me my first job. I was only an errand boy. The second day I was on the job, they sent me here to deliver a suit. When I saw the kind of place it was, I wouldn’t go in, and the man had to come outside to get his package. Wasn’t he mad! He called up the store, and when I got back, the boss threatened to fire me. I said, ‘Fire away. But I promised my mother I wouldn’t
will come after me, let him deny himself’’ (Lk. 9:23). II. S trength and W eakness V iewed P hysically (15:11-14) After the woman of Timnath had played false with Samson, he took revenge by de stroying the property of her people. For this they rose against him and threatened his life. He fled and took refuge in the rock Etam. But the Philistines came to fight against Samson’s people, and these were moved to protect themselves by delivering' Samson to his enemies. Samson’s people ap pear to have been settled down in a measure of contentment under the oppression of the Philistines. They wanted only to be left alone, to do nothing that would stir up the wrath of their oppressors, and hence they put blame upon Samson for what he had done, and would deliver him to the Philis tines. Samson agreed to this with the one reservation that they themselves would not put him to death but would deliver him bound to his enemies (vs. 11-13). When the Philistines saw him bound, they shouted against him, thinking they now had him in their power. But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson, and he broke the ropes as though they had been burnt flax (v. 14). Even for an extraordinary athlete this would be a remarkable feat. But Sam son probably was an effeminate sort' of person, small of stature, with 1no outward sign of great physical strength, as the wonder of the people at his deeds would indicate. It was by the Spirit of the Lord that he performed seeming miracles of physical strength. III. ,S trength and W eakness V iewed S pirituallyh | i 6 :15-21fc;„i Once more Samson is seen being overcome by his psychical desires, and another woman now controls him. Samson’s strength lay in his adherence to the Nazarite vow, the terms of which were given by God. The two out standing marks of a Nazarite were the avoidance of wine in any form, and the permitting of the hair to grow without being cut. These practices did not, in themselves, insure phenomenal physical strength, but it pleased God to grant Samson this strength so long as he was faithful in obedience to Him. Under the woman’s blandishments Samson at last revealed his secret to her (vs. 15-17). It was not long before the woman betrayed him by cutting off his locks and calling the Philistines to come and take him (vs. 18, 19). The pitiful sequel was that Samson, un aware that with the loss of his hair his unusual strength also had left him, started to do what he always theretofore had been able to do, but he “ wist not that the Lord was departed from him” ' (vs. 20, 21). As long as he maintained even the outward marks of his Nazarite separation, the Lord was with him. But when those marks were gone, the Spirit of the Lord could no longer use him. He became a weak man, a laugh ingstock to his enemies, a futile witness for Jehovah. His glorious strength became a memory. In spite o f all this, however, let us remember that by the matchless grace of God, Samson is numbered with the heroes of faith mentioned in the New Testament.
YOUR AID W IN ’S SOULS The sick, imprisoned, and under-privileged hunger for the Gospel. Send our workers in your name to minister to these forgotten children of God. Your prayers and gifts wili#.". enable our workers and cooperating Christians to distribute soul-saving Bible portions and Gospel tracts. This faith work 44 years old, founded by D. L. Moody. Funds sorely needed. Truly the harvest is great. Will you help sponsor this work? Literature free. The Bible Institute Colportage Ass’n 810 No. Wells St., Chicago, III. SUNDAY SCHOOL Literature QUARTERLIES AND PAPERS Following the Int. Uniform Lesson Topics A free sample pack with catalogue sent on request to any Sunday School official. Address UNION GOSPEL PRESS Box 6059 Cleveland, Ohio L I L L E N A S ’ H V M N B O O K S l are favorites everywhere. Songbooks for all Departments of the Church—Send for FREE MUSIC CATALOG LILLENAS P U B L IS H IN G COMPANY 2923 Troost Avenue Kansas City, Mo. PACKING— SHIPPING— STORING Phone ALbany 0159 M O V I N G Since 1910 Everywhere Los Angeles "OBJECTALKS''—^ 3 ViSks t0 illustrated by familiar objects. ^ "TALKS ON TEXTS"— 20 children's Sermons. Illuminated by fas cinating illustrations. "PAPER TEARING TALKS"— 15 Gospel talks. Paper is folded then torn and the object is unfolded. Interesting to old and young. Full directions. One Pastor writes: “ Your talks are the best I have ever used or have been able to find.” Each set $1.00 All Three $2.00 55 talks—whole year with the Children— Over 47,000 in use. Haddon Service, Box I64>B, Fairfield, Conn. F O L D I N G C H A I R S Brand New Steel Folding Chairs. Full upholstered back and seat. Rubber Feet. $16.00 dozen. REDINGTON COMPANY DEPT. 63 SCRANTON, PA. Best W ishes FROM W . A . BROWN
Made with FlippingBook HTML5