Judges 14

Compromise:

We find the beginning of Samson's fall here in chapter 14. He is a Nazirite. He is to be set apart. He is to be married to his own people, the people of Israel. Samson is out one day spying over the land of the Philistines. He then sees the Philistine woman. What does he do? He immediately goes and seeks counsel from his parents.

First of all, Samson was a man and he should of sought counsel from the Lord. All of Israel was prohibited from marrying outside their people, what made Samson think he was different. Have you ever went and asked one of your parents for something? They tell you "NO" so you go and ask another parent. This is Samson. He knows his heavenly father has already shut the door, therefore he goes and convinces his parents to clear his conscience. He ends up putting his own life into danger, the would be wife into danger, and his parents into danger. This is what our works an conniving produces.

One sin leads to another sin. I believe God sent that lion to get Samson's attention. God was saying, "Samson go another direction. I have a plan for you not to join the Philistines but to defeat them." Samson responds by killing the Lion, which was not lawful for a Nazirite. They were to be set apart, not in any contact with dead carcasses. Samson of course realized this. Still, after killing the animal, he returns again to the dead carcass! After disobeying the Lord once, it was becoming easier and easier to do it again.

Finally, we see the end of the story. Samson is about to marry this girl. He plans a foolish little game with the Philistines. If he wins, he gets a gift card to the Gap, if they win, they get a gift card to the Gap. Samson has the game underwraps when the Philistines find Samson's greatest weakness. They send his wife to get the information out of him. Remember, later in our story we will see the Philistines using this same technique to conquer Samson once and for all. If Samson only knew what he was getting himself into the moment he decided to disobey the Lord. Of course, Samson spills the beans, and has to resort to stealing the gift card in order to give it.

Gang, I know there are numerous different things on all our hearts. For some its
college which is right around the corner. For others it is just getting through the next day of school or work. And still, when we go through these things there is even more on all our minds always tugging day by day. Remember, just follow Jesus. Do not disobey. Do not step away from His direction. Do not connive. You know what the Lord has called and has not called you to do. That which He has called you, follow, even if it the harder choice. That which He has not called you to do, cut off immediately. And always remember to pray for each other through out the week.