Read Judges 15:1
Highlights:
Samson loses his wife; in revenge, he destroys the Philistines' crops. A thousand Philistines are slain by him. The Delilah escapade results in Philistines capturing and blinding him; his prayer is answered. Micah's idols a warning (chap. 17).
The Israelites ignored their calling as a holy nation and their loyalty to God, the real King of Israel, and they soon fell into idol-worship. Four times we read: In those days there was no king in Israel (Judg. 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25). Some, like those in the tribe of Dan (chap. 18), foolishly conform only to what would be right in his own eyes or acceptable to their friends. Twice we read: Every man did that which was right in his own eyes (17:6; 21:25). It is not surprising to see Israel being defeated by enemy nations. How easily deceit can mislead people who do not let Jesus Christ, our Creator (Col. 1:12-16) guide their lives. They wrongly assume that they can worship Jehovah while living to satisfy their lusts.
It is popular today to say: "It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you're sincere." The fact is that you can be sincerely wrong. We need to study to shew thyself (ourselves) approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (II Tim. 2:15). Others say: "Let your conscience be your guide." But God has warned: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Prov. 3:5).
Perhaps the greatest heresy today is the growing trend to believe that all religions have the same god but merely use various names. Jesus of Nazareth, who was born in Bethlehem, declared: I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6). The apostle Paul wrote: There is but One God, the Father . . . and One Lord Jesus Christ (I Cor. 8:6). Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name given under heaven among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
When Jesus Christ the Creator is our Savior and Lord, our chief concern will be: "Will His new life within me guide my thoughts and actions?"
Worship belongs only to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (I John 5:7). It's all recorded in just one Book, the Bible. Believers are commissioned to preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine . . . And they shall turn away their ears from the Truth (II Tim. 4:2-4).
Thought for Today:
And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power (Eph. 1:19).
Christ Revealed:
Through the strength God gave to Samson for his last victory over the Philistines (Judg. 16:28-30). I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil. 4:13).
Word Studies:
15:2 hated disliked; 15:3 a displeasure great evil; 16:5 afflict him hold him captive; 16:16 vexed destered, harassed, annoyed; 16:21 fetters chains; 16:25 make us sport entertain us; 17:5 teraphim household idols.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Government Official: Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (NY) • Country: Belgium (10.2 million) in northwestern Europe • Major languages: Flemish and French • Religious freedom • 74% Catholic; 3% Muslim; 1% Protestant; .5% Orthodox; 20% Secular Humanism; 1.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Realize that prayer is one of the ways God uses to strengthen you in the power of His might (Eph. 6:18).
Optional Reading: John 19:1
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 1:15
