Remember Me, Lord!Ihe Atụ

My Enemies

Revenge.  Getting even. Payback.  It’s awful when we feel like we’re fighting a losing battle. Even worse is when our enemies seem to succeed while we flounder. Who doesn’t want God’s help to battle their enemies?  

Enter Samson into today’s reading.  Yes, Samson, the one who had the long hair and incredible strength given from God.  The guy who had a certain penchant for pretty ladies, especially one named Delilah.  Samson was set apart at birth by God to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines, an enemy who had ruled them for 40 years.

Samson had many victories in his life through the strength God gave him, but he also couldn’t control his lust.  Multiple times he saw a beautiful woman and pursued her, even though she was literally an enemy.  His love affair with Delilah caused him to be captured by his enemies.  Due to her betrayal, the Philistines plucked out his eyes and threw Samson into prison.  

But even though Samson got way off course, God still had mercy on him.  Samson said his “remember me” prayer at the lowest part of his life, when he was performing like a circus monkey in the presence of his enemies.  

“Then Samson prayed to the Lord, ‘Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.’”

Judges 16:28

God answered his prayer!  He restored Samson’s extraordinary strength to push against the pillars of the enemy temple and kill 3,000 Philistines, including their rulers.  Samson sacrificed himself in this brave act that began the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines.

Questions:

1.  What battle are you fighting right now?  Is it an illness?

2.  Are you trying to fight this enemy on your own or have you asked God to battle for you?

3.  What can you learn about God from Samson’s story?