He scooped out the honey with his hands and ate as he went along. When he rejoined his parents, he gave them some, and they too ate it. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey from the lion’s carcass. – Judges 14:9

Today’s Scripture Reading (January 9, 2016): Judges 14

Does Hillary Clinton believe in Unidentified Flying Objects? We should have known that this strange election season had to turn to this question sooner or later. Back in the midst of Bill Clinton’s reign he admitted that he wouldn’t be surprised if we found out that we had been visited by extra-terrestrials. And now Hillary promises to investigate such sites as the famed “Area 51” in search for the truth about space and the existence of UFO’s. But before all the space junkies get excited about having someone in the Oval Office who will finally investigate these claims, or truths, about Area 51 and the UFO’s, the truth is that Hillary has already been there, because Bill was there. If there was any truth in what the space junkies believe, Hillary already knows it. And if what the government has been telling us for decades is true and Area 51 and other such areas are nothing more than military research areas, then she already knows that too.

The reality, probably one that most of us already know, is that Hillary Clinton’s interest is Area 51 and UFO’s is most likely to turn out to be words without substance. She doesn’t think that anything is there, but what does it cost to say that I will investigate when I become president, even when she has no intention, or even interest, in following that rabbit trail in reality. Clinton and Area 51 is nothing more than a more obvious example of what politicians do on a regular basis – they make promises, especially in more marginal areas, that they have no interest in keeping. But the hope is that the promise will get them just a few more votes. But the words remain without substance.

Samson’s experience with the lion and the honey reveal more than we may realize about this legendary strong man. Samson was one of the people who were born with the vow of being a Nazirite being placed on their life. Maybe the most obvious symbol of being a Nazirite was long hair and a ritual abstention from alcohol. But the Nazirite vow also meant that Sampson was not supposed to go near anything that was dead. (Note: the lion was dead.)

So as Sampson takes the honey from the carcass of the lion, he violates his Nazirite vow. And when he offers the honey to his parents, he leaves that fact out so that he will not be diminished in the eyes of his parents. Sampson has the appearance of being a Nazirite, but in reality his words are without substance. All that Sampson really has is the appearance of a spiritual commitment.

And it isn’t until the end of the story of Sampson that his emptiness of substance – and character – is finally revealed. Sampson’s lack would eventually become his downfall – and then even his famed strength would not be enough to save him.       

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Judges 15