Title: Samson's Hair / Judges 16:15-27
Contents Samson's hair 98.9.27
Most church members today want to be led by God. They are envious of those who have been led by God through the Bible. However, when God actually leads that person, great discomfort follows. I don't know if I'm envious because I don't know that. When you see what kind of life an individual or a nation led by God among the people shown in the Bible lived, it is certain that they will run away in surprise. Because each person who was led by God lived a special life. A special life here does not mean that you lived more comfortably than others or lived in abundance. He didn't live the life of the so-called prosperous life as we think it is. He purposely lived a life that had nothing to do with the power pursued by humans.
For example, if you were to take a picture of the person that believers most envy among the characters in the Bible, they would mention Joseph. Truly, this person can be said to be the representative of those who have been led by God. The Bible also reveals it. “I saw that the LORD prospered in all things” (Genesis 39:3). When Joseph said that he was led by God and prospered, most of it is because he later became the prime minister. So I am hoping that I will be able to do the same. However, the Bible does not refer to it as 'prosperity'. The true prosperity was that Joseph was hated by his brothers and sold abroad, sold as a slave, suffered to death and was loyal to his master, but returned to prison. It is often thought that he would have lived comfortably in prison because he was with God, but the Bible does not answer that.
“Joseph was sold into slavery, his feet were broken on his garments, and his body was bound with chains, until the word of the Lord came true, and his word tried him” (Psalm 105:17-19). It was really a lot of pain.
Also, seeing the people of Israel who were led by God was like pardoning their suffering. There was no water or no food wherever they went, even though they were clearly being led by God. So they complained and complained. Because it didn't work out as they expected. Despite being led by God, they encountered enemies that were bigger and stronger than them. However, in such a situation, there was no choice but to resent, but the weak defeated the strong. Because they had God's love. Because they are those who have received God's mercy, if that mercy continues, even weak Israel can defeat the Philistines.
The Apostle Paul's boasting was not that he had become great and that he had succeeded, but rather boasted about his weakness (2 Corinthians 11:30). The reason they boasted about their weaknesses was so that they might abid in the power of Christ (2 Corinthians 12:9). However, Samson and the people of Israel sought and pursued only the power the Philistines had. They were thirsty for love and hunger for love. Yet, God's forgiveness and love were rejected. So, it is natural that even the power you have will be passed on to the enemy.
Because strength is not a promise of God. Israel's servitude to the Philistines was not simply because of their lack of strength. You are enslaved because you disregarded and rejected God's promises. In general, people in the world think that all powers are equal. So they thought that they could suppress Samson's power with their own power. It was thought that by applying a tremendous external force, Samson's potential could be overcome. However, the result was a failure. It wasn't even a new rope, it wasn't a arrowroot vine, and it couldn't be tied up as tightly as I could. No external power could withstand Samson's formidable power. The problem was inside Samson.
Samson's strength never came from his muscles. The source of Samson's strength was his relationship with God. Therefore, if you want to break Samson's strength, you have to cut off his relationship with God. It was a strange power that could never be broken by the wisdom of the Philistines or their external power. That doesn't mean that the power comes from the hair itself. The hair, given the principle of 'You must not cut your hair', was a promise from God, so the power of salvation comes from that promise.
This power of God is intended to be used to save only his people. It is as if Jesus came to this earth to save only his people. Nevertheless, salvation cannot be achieved through those who wish to use God's power in private matters. It is a power that can only be applied to those who thoroughly obey God's inner promises. Therefore, Samson's eyes are plucked out and he is ridiculed by the enemy because he is caught by the enemy. It is not just that Samson is subdued by the enemy, but actually God strikes him. Because God's power was drawn to and used by personal approval, God struck Samson.
Also, regarding Samson's hair being cut off, according to Moses' writings, on the day the Nazarite's mission is finished, the Nazarite shaves his head and gives it to God as a propitiation sacrifice (Numbers 6:18). In that sense, even though human Samson stumbled upon his limitations, God's work is not interrupted because of Samson's greed and personal affection, but God's plan is thoroughly fulfilled despite human weakness. It is showing that you are human. Therefore, we are only grateful when we realize that our salvation is not because of our righteousness, but because of God's righteousness and God's zeal.
The cross of Jesus Christ is regarded as an enemy (enemies) of the cross to those who want to use it to eat and live well on this earth today, and the cross will attack that person. For example, those who try to use it as a means of professional livelihood just because they preach the gospel are enemies of the Cross. Due to the nature of the gospel, the gospel leads us toward killing people living on this earth, not saving us. Because only then can new life in heaven be given. Therefore, those who properly know the meaning of the cross are those who know that the cross leads to their own death. Nevertheless, to love, believe and follow that cross is a miracle among miracles. It is a phenomenon that cannot be achieved by human power.