Some Thoughts On The Importance of Faith In God By Bishop Greenway

Samson is one of the most tragic figures in the Bible. He was born as a child of promise to previously childless parents. His parents raised him according to a strict Nazarite holiness code, forbidding him to cut his hair. From birth, God set Samson apart to deliver Israel, and his uncut hair was his source of strength.

He was far from perfect, but God was able to use him and his strength—that is, until one day when his strength was compromised by a woman named Delilah, who deceived him into losing his hair. The Philistines captured and held Samson, the imperfect deliverer, in chains.

“But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved” (Judges 16:22).

Despite his many mistakes, Samson’s life had a triumphant ending. As he worked in prison grinding grain for his enemies, Samson’s hair grew back. This was the sign of his Nazarite vow and the secret of his strength.

One day, the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to their pagan god Dagon and to celebrate, saying,

“Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands” (Judges 16:23).

Three thousand people gathered on the flat temple roof, with many more inside. Then, for entertainment, they brought in their “trophy” of war.

With the help of a servant, Samson made his way to the temple’s supporting pillars. There, he prayed,

“Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes” (Judges 16:28).

Samson then pushed with all his might and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people inside—killing many more as he died than while he lived (Judges 16:30).

Even though Samson is one of the most tragic figures in the Bible, his story provides us with an important lesson. Regardless of how badly we fail, God can still use us if we renew our commitment to Him. Surprisingly, the New Testament applauds Samson because of his faith (Hebrews 11:32).

Samson teaches us that a person’s most important characteristic isn’t who he or she is, or what he or she has done, but the God in whom he or she believes.

Claim faith, my friends!

Bishop Jeff Greenway