Judges 16: Victorious Defeat
IMAGINE A PASSION play starring a notorious sinner in the role of Jesus. Instead of traveling the countryside preaching and healing, this hero visits brothels and brawls in bar fights. You would probably walk out of such a sacrilegious production, yet this is what God presents to us in the story of Samson. Samson represents both the best and the worst in each of us; called by the grace of God, bound to him by promise, repeatedly empowered, greatly gifted, yet faithless, self-indulgent, and only too ready to fraternize with the enemy.
Warming Up to God
When has a "sinner" surprised you by demonstrating God's grace?
Read Judges 16. »
Discovering the Word
- What clues suggest Samson's spiritual condition at the beginning of this chapter (vv. 1-4)?
- Why do you think Samson revealed the secret of his strength to Delilah (vv. 15-17)?
- Imagine the scene in verse 20 when Samson discovers that the Lord has left him. What thoughts, emotions and regrets would have gone through his mind?
- How did Samson change after his capture (vv. 25-30)?
- What has Samson taught you?
Applying the Word
- In what ways do you, like Samson, take God's gifts for granted?
- How would your life be different if the Lord suddenly "left" you?
Responding in Prayer
In his arrest and death Samson can remind us of Jesus' great gift to us. Tell Jesus how grateful you are for his sacrifice.
For Further Study
Praying When Life Hurts by W. Bingham Hunter