Samson’s secret strength and how Delilah beguiled him is an epic biblical tale of romance, indulgence, immaturity, manipulation, humour and tragedy.
Samson has captured the minds of writers, poets, composers, preachers and artists for centuries, even if artists portray him as a mountain of muscle and make his strength appear less secretive.
He may have looked like the “before” picture in a gym advert, but his strongman feats included catching hundreds of foxes, tying their tails together and setting them on fire to destroy grainfields; uprooting city gates and carrying them to a hilltop; and killing a thousand men with a donkey’s jawbone. What a hero!
These brutal acts reflected brutal times, and Samson’s enemies desperately tried to detect his God-given strength.
However, as fame overrode his intelligence, his stunts became more attention-seeking, and they ironically dissipated his strength.
We all have levels of God-given strength that may emerge in a crisis, even surprising us or those close to us.
Over years of pastoring, I have seen people meet all kinds of pain with personal courage, coupled with unexpected care for anyone else involved, and with no plans to be famous.
Many have been conscious of God’s presence in these times, but I have often seen God working without being mentioned.
As we recognise these strengths, our honesty and humility about our imperfections or failures helps us to enjoy and explore God’s offer of acceptance and forgiveness through Jesus, so we may learn to help other imperfect people reach their potential.
Exploring God’s grace can be quite the adventure.
It may involve a few risks – like disarming hatred or fear with respect, patience, and love – but it does not need the ego-trips or ego-traps that led to Samson’s demise.
As we explore this adventure, fame might come calling, which is okay but it’s still optional.
It is far better to focus less on ourselves and more on others without making them feel exposed or exploited.
Especially folks who are struggling under the weight of unmet needs, unfulfilled hopes; or if they feel trapped by the shame or blame that can cling to any failures. For God never plays favourites.
We may still get it wrong. But knowing that God is with us can keep us ready to respond to him, so we may extend this grace with greater humility, in ways that make his secret strength less of a secret.
Noel Mitaxa
On behalf of a church near you, inviting you to explore God’s love
