Our scripture this morning is Judges 13:24 (ESV).
And the woman bore a son and called his name Samson. And the young man grew, and the Lord blessed him.
The story of Samson is a cautionary tale of pride, thinking we deserve credit when it is only through God’s gifts that we are successful. If we are honest with ourselves we know this is always true, nothing that exists was created by us. Samson’s parents dedicate him to the Lord, but Samson unfortunately trusts in his “own” strength and basks in the glory it brings him. Eventually Samson is brought down by his pride and lust. His enemies prevail over him and in his last act he repents, but then takes vengeance on them. God wants to give us things to be used for his purposes, not our own.
Loving Lord, we know that all good gifts are from You. Please help us to see the intent behind the wonderful things You give, and seek to use them in ways that benefit Your creation. Amen.
