AWAKE BIBLE IN A YEAR MARCH 29
Read Judges 14-18
Doing what is right in our own eyes, isn’t proper leadership.
Samson, a judge of Israel appointed by God, to JUDGE and yet his personal life is really messy. Samson is known for his incredible God given-strength, which he used to fight against the Philistines, Israel’s enemies. Samson in chapter 14, marries a Philistine woman, which goes against God’s command to not intermarry with other nations. Samson isn’t perfect, especially after breaking his Nazarite vows. But once more he prays and God hears him, so that in his death he kills more enemies of Israel than in all his prior victories.
Micah’s idol, couldn’t DO ANYTHING.
Isaiah 46:2 Both the idols and their owners are bowed down. The gods cannot protect the people, and the people cannot protect the gods. They go off into captivity together.
The downfall of setting something up in place of the Lord as your god is, it can’t defend, can’t save, can’t help you and you have to defend it.
But the Lord is different! He defends his own name. He defended Israel through the imperfect life of Samson, his struggles couldn’t stop the protection and the grace of God. This gives us hope.
Lord we trust you. We look to your mighty hand!
Even when Samson was captured you revived his strength. Your mercy is abundant even when he fell away from your commands. His heart turned back to yours.
Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statues.
Psalm 22:24 is true for Samson! God did not hide from him, but heard him when he cried to him.
