Heroes

Okay, I confess that Samson is one of my secret heroes. The author of Judges paints a picture of Samson that I imagine includes a chiseled body with good looks to boot, the kind of “look” that we all (males) secretly desire. I say “secret” because Samson rarely did what he was supposed to do, and hence probably not the “hero” that preachers should choose. He was set aside as a leader of God’s people, but he marched to the beat of his own drum. While all other Godly leaders strove to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord, Samson did what was “right in [his own] eyes.” (Judges 14:3) His “selfish choosing” eventually led to his own death, at which time he killed more of the enemy than he had in his living, thus revealing that God still found a way to use Samson. Maybe that is another reason that he is one of my heroes. He reveals that God can and does use us even in the midst of our own selfishness. Samson’s story doesn’t excuse my selfishness or shortcomings but it does remind me that God has a use for even me, and you. Wow. What a God we serve! Blessings