Through the Bible: JudgesSample
![Through the Bible: Judges](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F25049%2F1280x720.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Slippery Slope – Beware!
And she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him. And the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes and brought him down to Gaza and bound him with bronze shackles. And he ground at the mill in the prison.
Judges 16:20-21 (ESV)
Samson’s birth account was not something out of the ordinary. As a Nazirite from birth, he was consecrated to the Lord to lead Israel and was blessed with supernatural strength.
This probably looks like a narrative of some superhero that could deliver Israel from his enemies. Yet, Samson’s story shows that even though the Spirit of the Lord came upon him repeatedly, his relationship with the Lord was far from close. Driven by desires of his flesh, Samson was disrespectful to his parents, violent, hot in temper, immature and promiscuous. Even though he knew he was a Nazirite, the restrictions (Numbers 6) were broken one after another until it was severed with the shaving of his hair.
As children of God, have we been taking God’s love for granted and allowing ourselves to be lured by earthly desires? Sin might bring instant gratifications but it is a slippery slope. Before we know, the consequences could be fatal, costing even our relationship with God. Are there any reasons that we would want to forego the sweet presence of the Lord with what we assumed to be desirable? Do we trust the Lord to know what is best for us?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love, for coming and dying for us to cleanse us from our sins. You have sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us so that we can live out the victorious and abundant life that You promised. Help us to behold Your beauty and pursue You with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. In Your name we pray, Amen.
About this Plan
![Through the Bible: Judges](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F25049%2F1280x720.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Judges describes the deteriorating cycle of the Israelites following Joshua’s death. Because of idolatry, the Israelites were oppressed by the enemies. When they repented, God raised up judges to deliver them. Soon they forgot and fell into evil, and the vicious cycle continued. Even today, leaders are sent to deliver us but a true salvation takes place only when our hearts are obedient to the one King who remains forever.
More
We would like to thank ICA for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://www.icahk.org