May 14

Judges 16

Samson is subdued and later dies in his final act of resistance.

INSIGHT

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Samson’s lustful foolishness finally catches up with him, and in a profound example of bad judgment, he discloses the secret of his strength to a woman who had betrayed him repeatedly. Samson violates his Nazarite vow, and all his power leaves him. His eyes are gouged out and he dies, not avenging the Lord against the Philistines but avenging the loss of his own eyes. It is a heartbreaking conclusion to a life that is tragic-tragic not only because of what it was, but even more for what it could have been.

PRAYER

Thank the Lord and give Him your praise. By His grace, we can escape consequences similar to those Samson experienced by living for Him:
I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation….
His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever (Psalm 111:1, 3, 10).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:4-5).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.

Now pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• Greater love for the lost
• Mission work in Africa
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this closing prayer:
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).