Plowing With His Heifer

The men of the town said to him on the seventh day before the sun went down, "What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?" And he said to them, "If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have found out my riddle." Then the spirit of the Lord rushed on him, and he went down to Ashkelon. He killed thirty men of the town, took their spoil, and gave the festal garments to those who had explained the riddle. In hot anger he went back to his father's house. And Samson's wife was given to his companion, who had been his best man. Judges 14: 18-20 NRSV

I have this mental picture of Samson showing up with thirty garments all covered in dried blood. I can almost picture what his face looked like - stormy and red with cold eyes.

Samson is used to manipulating his family to get what he wants. Now he meets his match in the women of his enemy. But Samson has the last laugh: he ends up murdering their own people and getting rid of a woman who betrayed him. I am not sure his best man was overwhelmed or overjoyed with such a gift.

What we have to remember is that God has a special purpose for Samson, even when he seems like the most self-centered and self-absorbed character. God wants to save God's people from the enemy, the Philistines. And Samson is God's means of saving them.

Despite your own misgivings, God has a special purpose for you, too.

God, reveal your purpose for our lives to us this day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Question of the day: What is God revealing to you?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims