Judges 15-16 / John 2 / Psalm 103 / Proverbs 14:17-19
I’ve read the story of Samson many times, but this time I saw something a little different – at least from my perspective. I’ve been aware of his willful heart, doing whatever he wanted to do regardless of his parents wishes to the contrary. He married a woman they wished he wouldn’t. He appeared to have a temper in the way he retaliated when someone crossed him.
I noticed that he seemed spoiled and self-centered. When he didn’t get his way, he overreacted to the situation. No doubt, people betrayed him many times. But he didn’t appear to let anything go or to forgive an offense; instead, he got even and in very violent ways!
He lived a life full of what looked to me like stress in relationships. In the end, he prayed to God for one last burst of strength to avenge the wrong and destroy his enemies. But other than that, I saw no evidence in scripture of a man pursuing a relationship with the God who had called him. I am keeping in mind that we have just one chapter to tell the story of a man’s life from conception to end.
That has me considering my own life. Am I busy doing things without first being filled with the knowledge and love of God through time spent with Him? Are you? Another concept that I speak of regularly is that of a life marked by living from the overflow of a relationship with Jesus Christ. We cannot give from an empty vessel. We can certainly try, but what a frustrating experience.
Giving from the overflow requires putting first things first – God, family, friends, work… We must be filled with Jesus so we can spill Jesus onto others. Which leads me to say that whatever we are filled with is the thing we will spill over onto others. Do you know someone who is always angry? Sad? Joyful? Warm and friendly? You see that in them because that is what is overflowing from their lives.
There’s a song that speaks to my life season and I want to share part of the lyrics with you. Make me Your vessel. Make me an offering. Make me whatever You want me to be. I came here with nothing, but all You have given me. Jesus bring new wine out of me.
If I’m filled with new wine, I will pour new wine into those around me. What are those around you receiving when they share your space? It’s a great question to ask oneself! May you overflow with Him so that when I encounter you, I encounter Him.
