The Natural Man Receiveth Not the Things of the Spirit" (continued)
Samson Shall Begin to Deliver Israel Out of the Hand of the Philistines (continued)
"Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven," not into the long mane that had never been shorn from his birth. No, the word says it had just begun to grow, a tiny stubble had appeared. No outward show of strength was visible, to the contrary, he looked weaker than ever before. But Samson was ready to make war, for he had become a man of prayer, he had become wholly dependent upon his Lord. And when the "lords of the Philistines" gathered to make sacrifices unto Dagon their god because they thought he had delivered Samson into their hand, they called for Samson so that they might make sport of him. But the Word of God says, Samson prayed: "O Lord God, remember me, I pray Thee, and strengthen me, I pray Thee, only this once ..."
Thus, Samson had joined that great cloud of witnesses, he had joined those who laid down their lives for he testimony of Jesus. He had joined those: "Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions ... out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens" (Hebrews 11:32-34). And as Samson prayed he took hold of the two pillars which supported the Philistine temple, "and he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords ) of the Philistines), and upon all the people that were therein." God's purpose for Samson's life was fulfilled, "for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb [he shall be one who shall become wholly devoted unto God]: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."
~T. Austin-Sparks~
(continued with # 57 - "We Can Exercise Control Over the Natural Man")
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