Samson’s Blindness

Judges 16:21 Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding in the prison.  A good way to learn from Samson’s sad life is this summary from William Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament
    “Judges 16:21 is the blinding, binding, and grinding results of sin. Samson’s downfall began when he despised his parents. He rejected the legacy of faith handed down to him; and thus, he rejected his God.
    “Samson illustrates people who have power to conquer others, but who cannot conquer themselves. He set the Philistine fields on fire, but could not control the fires of his own lust. He killed a lion, but would not put to death the passions of the flesh. He could easily break the bonds that men put on him, but the shackles of sin gradually grew stronger on his soul. Instead of leading the nation, he preferred to work independently, and as a result, left no permanent victory behind. He was remembered for what he destroyed, not for what he built up. He lacked discipline and direction; without these, his strength could accomplish little. He failed to check the impulses that began early in his career, and twenty years later, they killed him.”  

    We began this 5-day look at Samson’s life with the question, “Why is Samson recorded in the Hebrews 11 “Faith Hall of Fame”. He surely doesn’t seem to be a faithful man. But we can also ask the question of Israel. Why should we know so much about them and their lack of faith in God?
    One reason we know Jesus today is in the many ways God has revealed himself to us. Each person in the Bible has faith issues. We all have faith issues. Let’s learn from all how to continue to examine our lives in the light of the Bible’s record. Are we blind to some sin(s) keeping us form God? Do the sins bind you to a limited life, too self-centered to know God’s love? Are you feeling life is a grind that steals your joy?
    Seek, then, God’s strength, assurance and love. You can find it throughout Scripture, in prayer with a faithful friend, in confession and forgiveness. Know and submit to the Holy Spirit’s power. Come to more personally know Jesus. Savor his’ tender mercy.
 Exodus 15:2 “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”