Then Samson prayed to the LORD, "Sovereign LORD, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes."– Judges 16:28

Today's Scripture Reading (May 12, 2025): Judges 16

Samson never totally understood what a Judge was designed to be. He did better after the fiasco with Deliah, but even in death, he never really understood why God had gifted him with his strength. In that lack, he joined many kings and prominent people in Israel who didn't get it either. As a result, Samson's final prayer is that God will allow him to "get revenge on the Philistines" for his eyes. Even as Samson prepares to give up his life for a victory against the Philistines, everything in his life is about him and not the people of Israel. 

Contrast this with John the Baptist. As he approaches his death, John sends his friends to Jesus to ask, "Are you the one, or should we expect someone else?" John got it; this moment wasn't about him. John didn't hope for revenge. All he wanted to know was that God's plan was moving forward.

With all of his advantages, Samson still didn't get that it was all about God. Here, we are struck by Samson's immaturity in the faith. Samson couldn't get by the belief that this was all about him. And we sometimes struggle with the same belief. We make God decisions based not on what is best for God but on what will make us more comfortable. However, as we mature, we should find ourselves more often pointing to him because he is the basis for everything we have and do. Everything!

I believe two things. God has gifted us with the ability to make a difference, not just to those inside our fellowship groups or even those inside the Christian Community, but to the larger community where God's Holy Spirit is already working. The second thing I believe is that God has placed everything we need to accomplish his vision within our reach. Everything! God's power extends beyond the limits of what we see. It can't be about me. I have to point to Jesus.

So, let me ask: What are you allowing God to do with everything you do? This is not about whether God is in your life; I know he is! How much of your life are you allowing him to touch?

We sometimes sing a song in church, and at one point, the lyrics of the song say this;

I wasn't made to be tending a grave

I was called by name

Born and raised back to life again

I was made for more

So why would I make a bed in my shame

When a fountain of grace is running my way

I know I am Yours 

And I was made for more (Blake Wiggins, Jessie Early, Jonathan Smith, and Josh 

Baldwin).

Is that your testimony? Do you get what Samson missed? You are made for more than just revenge. You are created for so much more because the Holy Spirit is with you, gifting you in incredible ways to make a difference for him. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 3