Discipleship

“Like Any Other Man”

In spite of his extraordinary physical strength, Samson was vulnerable, “like any other man.”

After this [Samson] loved a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. And the lords of the Philistines came up to her and said to her, “Seduce him, and see where his great strength lies, and by what means we may overpower him, that we may bind him to humble him. And we will each give you 1,100 pieces of silver.” So Delilah said to Samson, “Please tell me where your great strength lies, and how you might be bound, that one could subdue you.” (Judges 16:4-6)

Notice carefully Samson’s increasingly dangerous responses to Delilah’s repeated enticements.

“If they bind me with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, then I shall become weak and be like any other man.” (Judges 16:7)

“If they bind me with new ropes that have not been used, then I shall become weak and be like any other man.” (Judges 16:11)

“If you weave the seven locks of my head with the web and fasten it tight with the pin, then I shall become weak and be like any other man.” (Judges 16:13)

And he told her all his heart, and said to her, “A razor has never come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If my head is shaved, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak and be like any other man.” (Judges 16:17)

You see, in spite of his extraordinary physical strength, Samson was remarkably “like any other man.” How so?

Can a man carry fire next to his chest
and his clothes not be burned?
Or can one walk on hot coals
and his feet not be scorched? (Prov 6:27-28)

“Like any other man.”

Whomever you are–man or woman–I challenge you to make that personal today. I’m determined to do the same. “I am not immune to temptation. I can be lured and enticed by my own desire. My own deceitful desires can give birth to sin. I can fall. I can be devoured by the roaring lion. I can be lost. Therefore, I must be on guard against temptation, like any other man.”

Thank God there is good news of great hope.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Cor 10:13)

How can you be stronger than Samson today?

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Eph 6:10-11)

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