"Samson the Nazarite" (Vol. 1 of "God Uses Sinners" Series)

Sample Devotional

Overview

This little volume is the first part of a series entitled “God Uses Sinners”. The story of Samson is one of divine interaction and human engagement, of the miraculous and of misery, of sin and redemption. This story displays the complexity of God’s plan for his people through the human experience. Samson is an example of a godly man who was marked by great strength, and crippling weakness. God exhibits His wisdom and grace in employing broken people to do great things for His kingdom. This gospel story was placed in scripture for our education and encouragement, and serves as an unmistakable reminder that God uses sinners.

In the time of the Judges, God delivered Israel into bondage for 40 years for their disobedience. Samson was called to be the one who’d begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines. Samson was the Son of Manoah. Before his birth, Manoah’s wife was visited by the Angel of the Lord who told her she would bear a son. This son would refrain from wine and strong drink, all unclean foods, and would never cut his hair for he would be a Nazarite to God from the womb. 

Samson grew up and was filled with the Spirit of the Lord. However, Samson’s eyes became distracted by his attraction to women rather than his high calling. He made many mistakes along the way, giving into temptation and finding himself in precarious situations. Yet God’s sovereign hand is shown not only to allow his wanderings, but to use them to accomplish His own purposes. 

This historical account is recorded in the book of Judges chapters 13-16. I will not cover the whole story in this writing, but will expound on some poignant scriptures that are contained within it. With that in mind, I encourage you to take a few minutes to read through this portion of scripture for yourself. If you have never read this account it will prepare you to better understand the contents of this volume. Even if you have read it previously, rereading it will optimize your experience as you dive into this thoughtful writing. May God bless it to your soul and give you encouragement along the way!

David Porter / TWM

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Part 1: “For behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son, and no razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” Judges 13:5

The birth of Samson was a sweet mercy from God to his barren mother, and to the people of Israel. Children of promise often come forth in times of adversity. Can you think of a few biblical examples who fall under this category? Or maybe you gave birth to a child in a dark time of your life who brought joy, laughter, and light. Samson was a child promised to Manoah and his wife for the purpose of deliverance. As wonderful as this sounds, the unfolding of God’s plans typically occurs in ways we wouldn't expect. 

No razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb. Samson’s calling came with an identity. The vow of a Nazarite (Num. 6) made him uniquely set apart and dedicated to the service of the Lord. He was restricted from drinking, cutting his hair, and from touching a dead body (or anything unclean). We, too, have been set apart for the service of God. He says, “come out from their midst and be separate…and do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you. And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me” (2 Cor. 6:17-18). Samson the Nazarite was uniquely chosen as a vessel to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines. God had already planned out his future before he came to be. In one sense we may read this and be amazed and awestruck by such a calling on one human, and that would be appropriate. On the other hand, the Bible shows us how each of God’s special instruments of deliverance were subject to much suffering, difficulty, and testing. This would certainly be true of Samson’s life. Can you relate to that as well? I know that I can.

For behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son. Does this phrase sound familiar? In Luke chapter 1 we hear the same words being told to Mary under different circumstances. Samson’s calling was for the deliverance of God’s people from under the tyranny of the Philistines. Samson was a man of great weakness in the flesh, but power in the Spirit. The Lord used him to punish the Philistines and to deliver His people. But He also used Samson to point to the true Redeemer who would come and deliver His people from the greatest enemies of all; sin and death. Jesus Christ is the greater Savior in whom’s strength Samson fought his adversaries. Jesus came after Samson to accomplish in full spiritually, what Samson accomplished in part physically. Samson's testimony contains ungodly immorality and imprudent behavior, while Jesus’ life was marked by perfection and truth. What's the point? Let’s be encouraged by the gospel message woven into the story of Samson. Like all those who came before Samson, and after, we see our fallen condition as sinners. God used Samson in mighty ways despite his own inclinations toward sin. He will also use you and I if we trust and follow after Him. Let us hide this truth in our hearts: Jesus came to save sinners. If you are His, you can be used by God for His kingdom.

Want the rest of the Samson the Nazarite devotional? Dive deeper into lessons of faith and God’s grace in this 14-day journey.

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