[The Glory Unveiled]
Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had left him. [ Judges 16:20 NIV ]
Samson was a Nazarene—a person who felt called to consecrate themselves unto God—with the extraordinary ability and gift of supernatural strength. He understood the terms of his consecration well and kept them until his unbridled love for a woman severed his connection to the source of his abilities. Unbeknownst to Samson, not honoring the terms of his consecration had consequences. The terms of his consecration were the live wire of his relationship with God, silently implying his love life with the Heavenly Father—a symbol of the continuous affection of his divine lover. However, Samson found another lover and gradually shifted his focus from his heavenly lover to her. As a result, the vows of his consecration lost their significance to him; he relinquished those vows to preserve his hair for the love he harbored for his earthly lover, Delilah. Meanwhile, Delilah traded that love for eleven hundred pieces of silver (Judges 16:5). Before this transaction, Samson had rested his head on Delilah’s lap, with unending kisses adorning his lips. Yet, after betraying his heavenly lover and the source of his uncommon strength, the kisses ceased—as the Lord left him. Consequently, as he began to stray from his divine pattern, his earthly relationships lost coherence as well; each of his relationships began to deteriorate. Samson was coerced into severing his fellowship with God when he violated the terms of his consecration, by the woman to whom he was most vulnerable at a compromised moment. The choice always lies with us—who holds greater importance in our lives, God or our partners? We must prioritize maintaining our heavenly affection if we wish to safeguard our earthly connections.
Prayer_Bead: My Lover and King, thank you for the unending kisses. Help me to remain in the embrace of your love as I intentionally obey and love you.
Wisdom_Quote: Unending kisses begin with unending devotion to God.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.