| Are You Losing Control |
| "She made him sleep on her knees, and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his hair. Then she began to afflict him, and his strength left him." - Judges 16:19 |
| At times, Samson seemed to make questionable decisions. His overconfidence often made him reckless, sure he could escape any trap he got himself into. During a number of heroic adventures, Samson remained faithful to God's call that no razor was to "come upon his head" and that he was to "be a Nazirite to God from the womb" (Judges 13:5). And he recognized that this obedience was the key to his exceptional strength. But he entered special danger when he fell in love with a Philistine woman named Delilah. The leaders of her country realized she had a golden opportunity to weaken this man who had caused them so much grief. So they bribed her to try to find the secret of his strength. Under the pretext of love, Delilah sought to pry out his secret. Seemingly playing games with her, three times he gave her answers. After each one, Delilah told her Philistine comrades, who did the very things Samson said would make him weak. Yet each attempt was unsuccessful. Day after day, Delilah pressed Samson to reveal his secret. Finally, he became "annoyed to death" and told her the answer. Without delay, she told the Philistines, and Samson quickly was taken captive. Because of his foolish confession, his strength departed, and Delilah "got control over him" (v. 19 New Jerusalem Bible). As a result, he became a slave to the Philistines. Today, many people think that they'll find freedom in following the lusts of the flesh, throwing off constraints, and being rebellious and independent. But the Bible tells us, "You are a slave to whatever controls you" (2 Peter 2:19). Remember that you will find true freedom only by submitting to the Lordship of Jesus. Surrender your life to Him. Follow Him. Let Him be your Lord and Master. Have no other master but Jesus. |
