We all have had our eyes get us in trouble in the past.
Diet – “Just one pizza.” But we end up eating 8.
Exam – “Just one answer.” But we end up getting detention.
Pictures – “Just one internet site.” But we end up getting addicted to p0rn.
Samson had that problem too. He allowed his eyes to dictate the decisions he made.
WOMAN AT TIMNAH.
1 Samson went down to Timnah and saw there a young Philistine woman. 2 When he returned, he said to his father and mother, “I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife.” (Judges 14:1-2).
He allowed his eyes to decide. Some may say that it was love at first sight. What it really was – was attraction at first sight. His father spoke to him about his decision, that he may need to reconsider and choose from within the people of God, but he refused to listen.
Pursuing beauty is not wrong but if it ends there, it will not be enough to sustain a relationship.
They got married but ended up separating in the end.
PROSTITUTE IN GAZA.
One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute. He went in to spend the night with her. (Judges 16:1)
This time, it was no longer beauty he was after, but self-gratification and pleasure. Sin has a way of doing that. It graduates and snowballs into something bigger.
I guarantee that they did not spend the night to play Monopoly or Temple Run in his iPad.
DELILAH.
Her name meant, “she who weakens; she who entices.”
This time, Samson’s problem was not merely looking at beauty, nor seeking self-gratification. Now it’s ego.
“I will never fall for her trap.” Or so he thought.
He gave in and one of the saddest verses in the Bible was written.
But he did not know that the LORD had left him. (Judges 16:20)
LESSONS FROM SAMSON’S LIFE.
1. Allowing your eyes to dictate your decisions is unwise.
Samson let his eyes decide for his future and ultimately his destiny.
2 Cor. 5:7 tells us to live by faith and not by sight.
2. Spiritual foundation is the best foundation for any relationship.
Find one who loves God more than s/he loves you. Why? Because if s/he loves God and desires to obey God, then you will be in a good place.
3. God is a God of second chances.
“O Sovereign LORD, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more… “(Judges 16:28)
He asked. God answered. He then ultimately fulfills God’s purpose for his life.
God is still God and God is still good.
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