Strong In The Lord

The life of Sampson is unique. He made some foolish decisions because of his lustful desires for the women who served false gods. Yet, even though he disobeyed God’s law which was placed upon him as a Nazarite (Numbers 6:2-8), his name is found in the famous “Hall of Faith”.

I have seen many pictures of Samson that were created to help tell his life story and most of them have him with a big muscular physic. We do not know what Samson looked like, most have assumed that he had large muscles, but how does this belief align with what the Scripture says about Samson?

God created Samson to be set apart for His service. “The child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.” (Judges 13:7b) His physical appearance is not described in the Bible, but his physical abilities are. However, in the account of Samson’s life, the only time the text mentions his strong abilities are when the Spirit of God comes upon him. (Judges 14:5-6 , 14:19 , 15:14 , 16:28-30)

Was Samson a muscular man? If he was, why did the Philistines and Delilah want to know the secret of his strength? Would it not be obvious why he was strong if he had large muscles? Does it not make more sense that God would use a man with no noticeable features that indicate strength? After all, is not God to receive the glory?

I do not claim to know the stature of Samson, but I do know that God’s strength is perfect in our weakness, (2 Corinthians 12:9) and God chooses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, (1 Corinthians 1:26-28).

The account of Samson’s life is a greater encouragement to me in light of these observations. Samson was chosen by God, even though he failed to be faithful to God’s expectations, God used his life to bring glory to Himself. This was the end goal and in Hebrews 11:32-33 God recognizes Samson’s great faith.

It does not matter how smart we are, how strong we are, or how rich we are by the world’s standards. The only thing that matters is how weak and humble we are before the God who is watching over us. When we are utterly dependent on the strength of God, that is when His strength is perfected in us.

It is not about what “I” can do, it is all about what I can do “through” Christ.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.