Judges 15:1-16:31 + John 2:1-25 + Psalm 103:1-22 + Proverbs 14:17-19
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Old Testament - Judges 15 today is quite a chapter! Whew... Samson is a whirlwind in this chapter... I know I probably should not chuckle about this - but a donkey's jawbone?? Who would have ever thought this could be a lethal weapon. Well, now we all know it can be indeed.
In Judges chapter 16 verse 3 we continue to see Samson's strength - "But Samson stayed in bed only until midnight. Then he got up, took hold of the city gates with its two posts, and lifted them, bar and all, right out of the ground. He put them on his shoulders and carried them all the way to the top of the hill across from Hebron."
And then we get to the famous story of Samson & Delilah. In verse 21 the Philistines finally overpower Samson by cutting his hair - a symbol of Samson's relationship with God.
New Testament - John chapter 2 verse 11 is of note - "This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was Jesus' first display of his glory. And his disciples believed in him." It is interesting that John refers to Jesus' miracles as "signs." Signs seems to indicate the significance of Jesus' actions, rather than the marvel. What do you think Jesus' miracles might have been "signs" of? Below is "The Marriage of Cana" by the Florentine Italian painter Giusto de' Menabuoi from the year 1378, and this fresco is located in the baptistry of the Cathedral in Padua:
Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion has a very interesting commentary on John chapter 2 verse 14 - "In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; and he saw money changers behind their counters." Tyndale answered the question of why there were merchants & money changers in the temple as follows: "The temple tax had to be paid in local currency, so foreigners had to have their money changed. But the moneychangers would often charge exorbitant exchange rates. The people were also required to make sacrifices for sins. Because of the long journey, many could not bring their own animals. The price of sacrificial animals was much higher in the temple than elsewhere." It is understandable why Jesus was upset with all of this. Thank goodness we do not have this system still in place for us today - with moneychangers & merchants for tax & animal sacrifices... thank you Jesus! Below is a fresco of "The Money-Changers in the Temple" by the Italian artist Giotto from the year 1306:
Bible.org's commentary on John chapter 2 titled "The First Sign: Jesus Turns Water into Wine" is at this link and commentary titled "The Cleansing of the Temple" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 103 is a great Psalm today! Each verse is a powerful reminder of God's character and our relationship to God. Verse 8 definitely stands out today - "The LORD is merciful and gracious. He is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love." Do you believe that God is merciful and gracious? Have you experienced God's mercy? His grace? Do you believe that God is slow to get angry? When was the last time you experienced God's unfailing love? (think now... God loves you so much he's given you beautiful life-giving oxygen to fill your lungs as you read this... praise God for the very air we breath!)
Today in Psalm 103 verses 11 & 12 we read these verses about God – “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” I think these verses are a wonderful look at what it means to be spiritually reborn and living in relationship with God. These verses are a glimpse of the true freedom that is found in relationship with God - freedom of living in God’s perfect love, and freedom from our slavery to sin. Do you believe that God’s love for you is as high as the heavens are above the earth? Do you believe that God has removed your sins (transgressions) from you as far as the east is from the west? Do you thank God often for His love for you? Do you thank Jesus often for saving you from the bondage of sin?
Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 14 verse 17 is convicting for me... wow... the Proverbs have been convicting me a bit more than I'm used to lately... I do take this as an overall good thing! It is good to get convicted by God's Word. Verse 17 - "Those who are short-tempered do foolish things, and schemers are hated." No, it's not the short-tempered piece that is convicting me, but that last piece - schemers are hated.. I don't like to admit it, but I think on occasion I am a schemer. I don't mean to be... but I think sometimes it seems as if I am. And when I am busted in a "scheme" - that I may not have really consciously thought was a scheme - there are some hurt feelings, anger and maybe even hatred toward me in that moment. Wow... bummer. I pray that I can move beyond being a schemer in every way. Life is too short to scheme! Don't be like Mr. Burns! :)
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of We the Kingdom’s song "Holy Water:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfY7CGU8sck
Have you received God’s Holy Water? Click here for Forgiveness!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "So Jesus made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!" John 2:15-16 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that our churches would not be marketplaces, but places of prayer. Pray that our faith is pure, and not motivated at all by money or the market.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on our Proverb reflection today, how about you? Are you ever a schemer? Even if you don't "mean to be one", are you still sometimes? Why do we scheme? Who are we trying to fool with our "schemes"? Ourselves? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
Samson was a man filled with passion yet he lacked restraint and he had no regard for anyone.He dumped his wife and burnt down fields when she wouldn't accept him.His love for women blinded him spiritually;Delilah turned him in 3 times and he didn't even question her motives for trying to find out his strength.In the temple he wanted revenge for his eyes,his prayers to me seem rather filled with vengeance other than repentance however his last request"let me die with them"got me thinking maybe he realised he was always going to fall into the same old traps and that maybe only in death could he glorify God.Only when we die to self can God be glorified.Samson in his death killed more enemies of God than when he was alive!So many times I try to understand the bible using my intelect and I fail to get it.I see my self arrive at wrong conclusions and assumptions then a thought came to me"my thoughts are not your thoughts"..I pray I not only read the bible for head knowledge but that I let the words of God go deep in my spirit and transform me...my prayer today is Lord teach me how to die because I really don't know how to live for you unless you teach me,I really don't know how to love you and others unless you show me...
God bless you all
Anka
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Dear Anka: I am glad the Samson story brought you some fruitful inner reflection
Hey Ramona: Judges 15:15; there is that donkey again.
A few movies out there about Samson. Even Cecil DeMille made one in 1949. I found a free good one on youtube made in 2019. Samson English Movie by Robo Ranger. Grab the kids, popcorn, all the Pepsi you can drink and make it a night.
Proverbs 14:17: Cambridge Dictionary: Schemer (Crafty Man): Someone who makes clever, secret plans, often to deceive others. He's a schemer who always finds a way of getting what he wants.
The transformation of water into wine at the Wedding at Cana is the first miracle attributed to Jesus in the Gospel of John 2:1-11.
Robert
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Anka, you made a great point! You said, "maybe only in death could he glorify God.Only when we die to self can God be glorified." When I read about Samson I am always left with more questions than answers, but this really gave me some insight into today's passage and some food for thought as I head out for church, thanks!
Teriann
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I don't know if I am necessarily a schemer but I have diarrhea of the mouth and what doesn't need to be repeated does and for that I have got to do better. I have got to learn that I don't have to be the one that tells all and definitely when things run like wild fire..that's not good. So in turn that is my weakness..my crutch that I need to crucify and get healing daily.
Dee
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About Jesus' first miracle which turned water into wine in a wedding. I learned from a Christian friend that the first miracle of Jesus was done in a wedding. In Heaven as described in the Book of Revelation, the believers will have a wedding feast with Jesus. Also a wedding scenario.
Frederick
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A couple of things spoke to me while reading Judges 15:1-26:31
1. Temptation comes in a deceiptful form,such as Delilah's deceipt of Samson for the secret of Samson's strength.
2. Evil, Satan never gives up that is why we should always be on guard and ask God's presence all the time. Samson finally gave the source of his stength since Delilah kept hounding him and accusing him of not loving her enough to trust her with Samson's secret source of strength.
3.Vengeance is mine said the Lord. Revenge leads to a vicious circle of retaliation. Samson's revenge on the Philistines came back to him until he finally lost his strength & captured.
4. God never abandons us if we call upon His help. In the last day of Samson, he repented and ask God's help. God heard him.
Psalm 103:1-5 One of my favorite Psalm & prayer. I held this prayer in my heart when I had my recent surgery. God gave me a second chance in life and I thank Him for that. Everyday is a gift from God. I pray that I do not waste the day with out praising Him and enjoying His creations.
Lily
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In today's psalm, vs 12,"As far as the east is from the west so far has he removed our transgressions from us." How far is the east from the west really? It is an infinite amount, because if we set out travelling east we never arrive at a place called "the west", we simply will keep travelling east. So is God's forgiveness when we put our trust in his son Jesus - it is infinite. Thank you Lord.
Michael
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Samson’s greatest undoing was the woman in his life! No wonder God told them not to mingle with or marry the people of Canaan .This reminds me to be careful of relationships I keep; making friend with people of the same belief, values and religion would be of great help.
The book of john was also very interesting today; Jesus can take care of any situation if we hand it over to him.
Bless the lord oh my soul and forget not his benefits! This psalm stood out for me, can we imagine all the benefits of being a Christian; God’s protection, provision, guidance, fellowship with God, joint heirs with Jesus, salvation, the hope of heaven, just to mention a few…..I am so glad I know HIM!
Susan
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Part of Samson's lack of restraint has to do with his appetite and part of it has to do with the surrounding culture. He is so much like any of us in our culture who are supposed to be called out in difference, and yet will do whatever we can get away with thinking that we are still okay. Samson has no one holding him accountable--no godly friend, no one who is speaking truth to his life. When we are all alone we can easily fall asleep in Delilah's lap and when we shake off our slumber we don't even realize that the Spirit of God has left us:
"He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him."
Since the heart is deceitful, and the enemy is the father of lies, we need so much to depend on Jesus to keep us from falling asleep in the arms of the world and not even realizing that our sins have separated us from God's blessing.
Micah Girl
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One would think that Samson would have learned his lesson/s....The harlot in Gaza deceived him and so did Delilah. Dr. Charles Swindoll says in a sermon on Samson that "Samson was a 'he-man' with a 'she-weakness'". Samson is a classic example of what happens to men when they 'objectify' women. Here was a guy who was given EVERYTHING you could ever have--godly parents, a call from God, etc, and he throws it all away. Sadly, his continual poor choices put him in a place where his conscience wasn't working and his moral discernment was destroyed. Samson even deceived himself. The saddest verse in the Bible is coming up in Judges 16:20b "He didn't realize the LORD had left him". I think King James says, "But Samson did not know that the LORD had departed."
Perhaps Jesus' word in John 14:21 is appropriate here. "He/she who has my commandments and keeps them, he/she it is who loves me, and he/she who loves me will be loved by my Father and I will love him/her and manifest myself to him/her." (RSV)
God loves to give us second and third chances, and so he responds to Samson's plea to deliver him, and God does, but imagine what Samson could have done in his life had he chosen to keep God's commandments all the way through his life....The blinding, grinding, and grinding effects of sin caused him to walk in darkness and die in darkness, even though God forgave him and restored his strength, but He did not restore his sight or his ministry......
Luch
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I love reading John! When I do my daily readings I always read too much than I'm suppose to, all because I'm reading so passionated! John is the first chapter I read in the Bible, it's great to read about Jesus' life.
John 2:10 "A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” ~ This reminds me of a sermon in church not too long ago. Our Pastor used The Wedding at Cana as an illustration of 'Our Old and our New Life" (Old and New wine ... ) When we choose for Jesus we start a new life. Before that time we lived in the world, we think it's fun, we think it's okay and all of a sudden we accept Jesus as our personal Saviour and a much better life starts. So we drink the wine, we think it's a good wine and then ... Jesus fills the jars with water, His living water! "But you have kept the best until now!”. I think that was a good illustration. Maybe that's the 'sign' John is talking about? "This miraculous SIGN at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him".
Mae
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OT
a wonderful story. Im pleased God helped Samson one last time after all the people were worshipping their God not the one true God
Pslams
God is merciful and gracious. He has forgiven me for mistakes I have made in the past. He has removed my sins and thrown them far and wide. I thank God everyday for His undeserved unconditionlly love.
Proverbs
I think one way to be smart and learn is by reading The Word and studying as we are
Jen
Judges 15:1-16:31
Anka, thank you so much for posting your thoughts and your insights: they have gotten me to think along an area I never really thought deeply about before, Sampson’s lack of restraint: What it looked like and how it would truly drive him. I’m going to add something to what you stated about him not “getting it”, what Delilah was planning.
I believe Sampson, like so many of us do, mistake the mercy of God for either God’s indifference or His approval. Like each of us, or like a child testing the boundaries of what is acceptable, Sampson knew what was right and what was wrong. At least he knew as a Nazirite what the expectations where, as stated in his final and costly remark to Delilah regarding his strength. I think his arrogance and the mercy of God formed a type of “rope” that bound his rational thought, a rope he could not break. Sampson was captured before his hair was cut off. He was given enough rope (mercy) to hang himself, so to speak.
As I stood at the window of my house looking out through the shutters, Watching the mindless crowd stroll by, I spotted a young man without any sense Arriving at the corner of the street where she lived, then turning up the path to her house. It was dusk, the evening coming on, the darkness thickening into night. Just then, a woman met him-- she'd been lying in wait for him, dressed to seduce him. Brazen and brash she was, restless and roaming, never at home, Walking the streets, loitering in the mall, hanging out at every corner in town. She threw her arms around him and kissed him, boldly took his arm and said, "I've got all the makings for a feast-- today I made my offerings, my vows are all paid, So now I've come to find you, hoping to catch sight of your face--and here you are! I've spread fresh, clean sheets on my bed, colorful imported linens. My bed is aromatic with spices and exotic fragrances. Come, let's make love all night, spend the night in ecstatic lovemaking! My husband's not home; he's away on business, and he won't be back for a month." Soon she has him eating out of her hand, bewitched by her honeyed speech. Before you know it, he's trotting behind her, like a calf led to the butcher shop, Like a stag lured into ambush and then shot with an arrow, Like a bird flying into a net not knowing that its flying life is over. So, friends, listen to me, take these words of mine most seriously. Don't fool around with a woman like that; don't even stroll through her neighborhood. Countless victims come under her spell; she's the death of many a poor man. She runs a halfway house to hell, fits you out with a shroud and a coffin.
(Proverbs 7:6-27 MSG)
Mike, you said:
>>I know I probably should not chuckle about this - but a donkey's jawbone?? >>
Hmmm, maybe that was the jawbone from Balaam’s donkey and he talked the Philistines to death! (Bad joke, bad joke)
Ramona