Jesus and Samson

Jesus and Samson

Judges 16:28 – Then Samson cried out to the LORD, “Lord GOD, please remember me. And please strengthen me this one time, God, so that I can repay the Philistines right now for my two eyes.” 29 – Then Samson grabbed the two middle pillars upon which the house rested and braced himself against them with one pillar in his right hand and the other in his left.

Verse 30 – Then Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” He strained with all his strength until the building collapsed on the officials and every person in it. As a result, the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he killed during his lifetime.

Samson’s miracle birth; his bride being taken by the best man; catching 300 foxes and letting them loose with fire on the Philistines fields, groves, and vineyards like a plague; his constant moments of being filled with the spirit to bring death to his enemies until being cut-off from God and losing his strength; these were all signs that tied Samson to Jesus. Filled with the Spirit, with his one last act, Samson killed more enemies at his death than he did in his life.

Jesus’ birth was a miracle; His bride, His creation, was stolen by Satan who used to be his best man (the covering cherub, Lucifer); He sent the plagues against Egypt wanting his bride back. Jesus was constantly filled with the Spirit to bring life and healing to people until, when on the cross, He was cut-off from God, fulfilling the Scriptures. Jesus, with His one last act of dying on the cross, saved more people at his death than he did in his life on earth.

The beauty of this story is in it’s contrast. Samson was a man who became God-like in his incredible physical strength, he knew sin but because of God He became righteous by the end of his life.

Jesus was God who became man in his incredible humility, He knew no sin but to save humanity He became sin so that we could have have the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Samson’s cry was the same as that of the thief on the cross. They both cried to be remembered by God…and where was God? Right there with them. At the end of their lives both Samson and the penitent thief had become one with Jesus. Our lives can do the same if we believe in Jesus Christ.

Let us consider these verses:

Hebrews 11:32 – And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell you about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. 33 – Through faith they conquered kingdoms, administered justice, received promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 – put out raging fires, escaped death by the sword, found strength in weakness, became powerful in battle, and routed foreign armies.

Through faith in Jesus Christ, let us also receive His promises, find strength in weakness and become powerful in battle against the forces of evil today and every day as we await His return.