God's All-Stars - Week Two: Samson
I love football season! Each week players give outstanding performances on the field. Join me as I reveal guys in the Bible that would make God's All-Star team:
Week Two All-Star: Samson
Vital Statistics: (See Judges 13)
Destined for Greatness from Birth: Miracle Baby (his mother was “sterile and childless”), God’s #1 Draft Pick to lead Israel to victory over rival Philistines, Signed exclusive Nazirite Contract
Physical Description:
Long hair (until his one bad buzz-cut), Ripped physique, Superhuman Strength when the Spirit of the Lord came upon him (See Judges 14:6&19, 15:14, 16:3)
Nicknames:
“Big D” as in Deliverer or Dawg (See Judges 13:5), “Play-a” for his way with the ladies
Strengths:
Supernatural Strength from God, Fearless Courage
Weaknesses:
Women & Lust, Disobedience
Famous Quotes:
“I have seen a Philistine woman…get her for me.” to his parents in Judges 14:2
“If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.” to Delilah in Judges 16:17
“O Lord, remember me…please strengthen me just once more..." to God in Judges 16:28
Greatest All-Star Performances:
• Samson 1, Lions 0. Headline: “Samson Tears Lion Apart” Judges 14:6
• Samson 30, Philistines 0. Headline: “Samson Whips & Strips Philly’s” Judges 14:19
• Samson lights up the Field. Headline: “Samson Torches Philly’s on FOX” Judges 15:4-8
• Samson 1,000, Philistines 0. Headline: “Samson Kicks Philly’s in Donkey Bowl Judges 15:14-17
• Wins Strongest Man Competition Headline: “Samson Carries Off Trophy” Judges 16:3
• Final Victory Headline: “Samson Comes Out of Retirement Brings House Down” Judges 16:23-31
Summary
Samson’s life can be summarized in one sentence: “The Strong Man with the Weak Spot.” Like an incredibly talented NFL player who never reached his potential, Samson only scratched the surface of what he could have been due to ‘off-the-field issues’; He couldn’t keep his hands off of Philistine cheerleaders! He could whip an army of enemy soldiers, but he never whipped lust. Lying with his head in Delilah’s lap, Samson broke his spiritual contract with God. Delilah gave him a buzz cut, the Spirit of God left him, he lost his superhuman strength, his enemies gouged his eyes out and the former All-Pro was reduced to grinding it out in a Philistine prison. But Samson humbled himself and God gave him one final victory. It was his greatest performance. His story is proof that God never gives up on us.
All-Star Impact
What weakness has the greatest potential to mess up your life?
What are you doing (or going to do) to strengthen yourself in the area of your greatest weakness?
Your weakness (spiritual compromise) may have already cost you dearly, but God is a God of second chances! Are you willing to humble yourself and reach out for His supernatural strength? “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power!” Ephesians 6:10
God wants to make a spiritual all-star out of YOU! “You were…created to be like God, truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:24 (GWT)
