And the Lord said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.
Available statistics reveal that we spend a lot of money on fitness and well-being – $828 billion globally in 2018. Being mindful of our physical wellness is important. The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA (a hospital focused on integrated health care, education, and research) suggests that being active improves our mental health and energy levels, helps us sleep better and guard against disease.
But the same bible says bodily exercises profited little. 1 timothy 4: 8
“Gideon’s 300 soldiers” is a very remarkable story. It reveals God’s preference for quality rather than quantity in choosing people for his service. Gideon had a divine mandate to fight against the Midianites. He had given a clarion call to arms and 32,000 warriors had enlisted. The army seemed large enough, but God is not necessarily on the side of the heaviest battalions, certainly not when 22,000 of the lot were literally trembling for fear. The fearful were only too glad to decommission at the earliest opportunity; God does not use such people anyway.
For Gideon, facing up to an army was already a project of faith. But God was not done yet. He saw an equally disqualifying trait that Gideon could not see in the men that remained, and He was going to whittle down the army even further. The test was a very little act – drinking water after a long march. All but few of the 10,000 men forgot that they were soldiers. Dropping their weapons, they bowed face down into the water and lapped greedily to quench their thirst. 9700 were disqualified; only a mere 300 who quenched their thirst while remaining vigilant against possible enemy attack were deemed fit to fight in the battle.
In the battle for righteousness, God is looking for men and women who hold strong convictions against the glamorized moral pollution in society. if they will dare to stand, they are God’s choice.
Thought for the day.
Great qualifications are nothing where faith in God and courage to stand for the right is lacking.
Jesus tells two parables in Matthew 21: 28 -32, and Matthew 21: 33 – 43, Matthew 22: 1-14 In these parables we see 5 kinds of servants in the household, vineyard, and wedding banquet story. There are two sons i.e. sons of God as we are through Christ Jesus: 1) 1)The first son who is like Jesus (Jesus said the greatest in the kingdom of God, should be a servant by serving, so like Jesus became a servant we all are as well. Paul said I became many things for the sake of the gospel, and Jesus is both a lion and a lamb, as well as a prophet and a savior – Matthew 23: 11-12) was sent to serve, he said I will not (as Jesus said Lord let this cup pass over me, he didn’t want to die, yet he did), but this servant repented. 2) The second son, likewise, refused to work in Gods vineyard.
Vineyards
Parable two: Was about a householder who planted a vineyard and when the time of the fruit drew near (harvest – end of days), he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.
1) The husbandmen kinds of servant who killed and stoned another. there is but one husband/groom the church has, and that is the lord Jesus, so these men acted as husbandmen were hence the reference Jesus made many shall come in my name saying I am he. Matthew 24:5 but as the antichrist will kill other servants and stone them. We know Jesus did not do this.
2)His son, Jesus came, and the husbandmen killed him.
Their Judgement according to Jesus: When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?
41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
42 Jesus saith unto them, did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?
43 Therefore say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
These men rejected Jesus by first rejecting his word sent by the servant to receive the fruits in their seasons. So, the kingdom of God, not the Kingdom of heaven will be taken from them. The kingdom of God is already here, this why we say the lord’s prayer.
Then Matthew 22, which speaks on the importance of speaking the word of God to produce fruit of the spirit, God told his servant to get from the husbandmen. The parable of the two-son emphasis’s the willingness to work for God, the second to bring fruits and for God, so the kingdom of God would come and not for us as the husbandmen and the last would be the people who hear his call and do his will with the right type of garment. The follow the sequence, call forth laborers, plant the seed of God’s word and return to him wearing the right work clothes.
This is where from the husbandmen, being told the kingdom of God would be taken from them, we see what the kingdom of heaven is like and why it is taken from them.
The kingdom of heaven (not the kingdom of heaven), is a king (Elohim as King Xerxes, remember God told his people after they had killed his son in the last parable that he’d take the kingdom from the and give to another nation because they refused to release fruits). The whole story and big picture of the last 2 parables fit into this big one.) So, to make enter the kingdom of God we must answer God call and then give him fruits and produce fruits, which Israel (the Jewish one was trying to do until, they killed Jesus).
Back to the story, God prepares a wedding banquet (it’s such an irony Jesus first miracle was at a wedding to, turning water to wine because his mother asked him to do so: and he uses vineyard (which makes wine) and a wedding banquet to tell parables as well) for his sons (as we are his sons by adoption as Jesus is the son of God, we are the son of the father). He sends for the first set of servants to come for the banquet (Just as Ahasuerus, calls for Vashti), he tells these servants to come, but they don’t come. They pay no attention going about the king’s field and businesses to seize servants and mistreat them as the husbandmen.
God tells his servants, that since the banquet is ready, he called people he invited but they did not deserve to come. He asks them to go around the streets and corners to invite anyone you find. (So, the king disposed Vashti and asked they invite all young maidens to come) but as the king came, he noticed guests without the wedding dress, and he told his servant to tie them hand and foot to throw them out. (Esther, wedding dress was prayer, however beautiful stones are in the house of God, without prayer, it is no longer a house of prayer as Jesus called it). Because many are called but few are chosen. I challenge you as the parables of all parables says in Luke 18 vs 1 “18 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint:”. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 – 18. Prayer is fitness. Ephesians 6:18.
Prayer point:
Pray for the writer as well, that they strike a blow to their body and make it their slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (as I do myself).
Pray that hearer or reader read and are edified. (Love your neighbor)
Habbakuk 1 gives the complaint of the Habakkuk, the prophets and Habbakuk 2 gives Gods response. Mr. Kutuka states that once our sins reach heaven, then heaven sees it & shuts up heaven (2 Chronicles 7: 13). He likens what happens to a locust as a disaster. And says when people start taking pleasure in wrongdoing, leading to one falling to more sins.
He states that you cannot change God, only our views do, nothing we do will make God change, he still hates sin; this is why he sent his son to die for our SINS, only those who do the will of God will be saved. the truth of God, so we find it hard to do, but we have grace to live above sin. He says sometimes we use sentiment, so we do not turn away from sin, but we can ask God to take the problem from you. Habbakuk 2:2. Was Gods reply to Habbakuk that he as God won’t change his mind on the judgement of Israel.
When we live in sin it builds a house in us and rules over us, not when we sin, it is wickedness against God. And thus, Joseph says how can I do this great wickedness against God. Genesis 39:9. When sin becomes pleasurable to one, it’s a danger, because the devil goes to accuse you and though the mercy of God speaks a constant accusation will lead to sin increasing allowing judgement from God. And we know the wages of SIN is death.
He says in Jeremiah 29:10-14 the Israelites were in Babylon for 70 years. At the moment, he says most of us are already in Babylon, some as Habakkuk who complain and some who oppress and do wickedly. He felt Habakkuk as a prophet was self-righteous because he complained. And thus, says we are all in Babylon, where we need to break out of her sins. Just as Jesus says, “come out of her my people and be separate” Matt 6: 33 by seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. God is above the standard of the world; he wants to give us all things pertaining to life and godliness. He says God still punishes sin. But he is not saying you are a sinner or unrepentant or less of a Christians, but if he punishes sin through his son (Jesus), so we might life through his son, then in Christ, he can punish sin with us, who are in Christ as we are too sons of God (Barabbas). He says God doesn’t withhold good things from his children, but our lifestyle hinders us from receiving it. No good thing will he withhold from them that LOVE HIM. Psalm 84: 11. Sentiments do not move God, neither does it draw us to God. Instead of complaining, why not challenge God so he will open the windows of heaven.
Prayer For the power of separation, to walk with God to be restored in our lives.
The king comes to you, daughter of Zion. I often wondered how Jacob wrestled with God and prevailed still. Because this is the aggression point, we all need pick up a point during distressing moments.
Luke 21: 5-6 starts off with the destruction of the temple and we know the house of God holds the body of Christ i.e. temple of the living God (which us a body of believers). Quoted: “Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” Jesus states that one of the signs of end times would be as stone (we are living stones 1 Peter 2:5) being thrown down in the last days.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-8 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there comes a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. So, the falling away of the church must happen i.e. the great apostacy must happen for the lawless one to be revealed. Jesus said stones will fall away and be thrown, Simon peter was told he was the rock on which the church will be built, and the gates of hell will not prevail against him (Matthew 16: 18), Jesus is the stone the builders rejected, and David used a stone to defeat Goliath, a living stone. A rock is a bigger version of a stone. So, the church is not to fall, yet in the last days it will.
29 See, I am beginning to bring disaster on the city that bears my Name, and will you indeed go unpunished? You will not go unpunished, for I am calling down a sword on all who live on the earth, declares the Lord Almighty.’ – Jeremiah 25:29
Excerpt from Kumuyi
On December 25th, 1908, a newspaper published in Messina printed a parody against God, daring Him to make Himself known by sending an earthquake. Three days later, the city and its surrounding district were devastated by a terrible quake that killed 84,000 people! Payday is coming for all. It is the duty of a Christian to prepare for God’s judgement.
The passage under consideration unveils the decision of God against Babylon. Babylon would be destroyed for her wickedness and cruelty, and there was nothing anyone could do about it. Jeremiah was to warn of this impending judgement. He was also assigned by God to inform people that the cup of his wrath was soon to be poured on Israel and other nations like Egypt, Edom and the Phillistine’s.
Judgement is coming. God has appointed a day in which he will judge the world for her sins. The present world system will not escape the judgement of God. All human deeds are on record and there would be no room for falsification of facts. Every action of man will be brought to light. Boys and girls, and all adults of every race and in every continent will face the consequences of their professions. The treatment we give to the word of God will determine our eternal destiny. Therefore, believers should not relax in their evangelistic outreaches because God judgement remains unchanging for all unrepentant soul from one generation to the next. Persecutors of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ will not escape the wrath of God except they repent. The train of Gods judgement is coming slowly but surely, and it is important for all and sundry to be prepared.
I opened these accounts separately in the same day, telling me about the same thing with my devotional and bible, coincidence who knows. Something had been plaguing me, so I realized it is not about me, I had somehow made it into being about the things I wanted above what God wanted.
Ezekiel 8 gives us a big picture of how all parts of the temple looks like the external temple (the church – the one we see), inner temple (our bodies – individual members), and the entrance to the temple (the heart of the church and believers) which was evaded in Ezekiel 8. First the idolatry spread doing detestable things in the sanctuary, then they were convinced “the lord did not see them, and the lord had forsaken the Land” (External Temple – the church). Then they did things in secret and said surely the Lord will not see it (Internal – the body), and then the glory of God departed from the temple, Ezekiel 10 (Entrance – the heart).
Excerpts W.F Kumuyi’s Devotional titled the Danger of Compromise
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6: 14
Neville Chamberlain was known for this policy of appeasement. As the prime minister of Britain before the World War II, he knew the country was still weary from the First World War and wanted to avoid a European war at all costs. The problem was that at the same time Hitler and his army. So, in September of 1938, he reached an agreement with Hitler that resulted in the Munich Pact. Italy and France joined Britain in agreeing to surrender parts of Czechoslovakia to Germany in return for Hitler’s agreement not to invade any other European country. Chamberlain confidentially came home proclaiming, “Peace in our time.”
They really believed that by giving INTO Hitlers demands, he would stop or limit his aggression. But Hitler arrogantly ignored the pact, taking most of Czechoslovakia and invading Poland. The Munich Pact is now a universal symbol of the failure of the policy of appeasement.
Today’s text calls believers to avoid sinful compromise with unbelievers. Spiritually, the believer and the unbeliever are so different that they should no longer be yoked together in intimate relationships or fellowship. Any comprise between them in marriage, fellowship, partnership or intimate friendship is bound to have dire consequences.
Compromising your faith as a believer can be very dangerous. The Scripture warns us to avoid compromise in all matters especially in marriage, business partnership and worship. The example Jehoshaphat and Solomon remind us of the sad end of compromise with unbelievers (1 Kings 11: 1-6, 2 Chronicles 20: 35-37)
2 Corinthians 6: 14 gives us another warning to avoid idolatry, not to be yoked together with unbelievers because righteousness and wickedness have nothing in common. What harmony is there between Christ and Belial or what does a believer have in common with a non-believer, what agreement between God’s temple and IDOLs as in Ezekiel 8, 9.
The Lord lives with US and walk among us, and I will be my God and I your people, come out of them and be separate (Revelation 18 vs 4, 1 Corinthians 6:17, Ezekiel 9: 4). Touch no unclean thing and you will receive me. I will be a Father to your sons and daughters saith the LORD Almighty.
Summary
The External temple – the church is destroyed by detestable practices and shrines to idols, internally – the body of Christ (individuals) it is destroyed by what it worships, and entrance to the heart is where we mourn to ungodly desires – the two women and Tammuz (golden idol – money). Be dead to the world and its ungodly systems.
Have you gone into compromise consciously or unconsciously? Then it is not too late to come out from the dangerous relationship stands from Christ and holiness.
His glory first fills the HOUSE then the TEMPLE (the body) – then HEART (changing individual hearts) – Worship to the Lord.
The holies of holies have 3 compartments – the house, the body, and the heart are changed through worship. In a worship arena where musician sings it takes the same direction.
Fun Facts
The only time Jesus got angry and acted upon it was when he was in the temple, where he saw them buying and selling. Matthew 21:12-17, people say why was Jesus angry it was Just selling; And I am like you are man, if you see your wife sleeping with a man or whoring would you remain calm when her body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT) is defiled. Luckily, when Jesus realized he was born under the law and born of a woman under the law (Galatians 4:4), he calmed down. Also, he was stripped of his glory, and took on the nature of a bond servant, by becoming like a man. It’s interesting to see a bond servant is under bondage of the law and has no authority because he has not fulfilled the law, and a servant has no rights nor authority Philippians 2: 7-21. When the Pharisees asked him what authority he had to throw those things out, Jesus came back to himself; understanding he had no authority at that time; he said he’d build the temple back in 3 days; fulfilling the scripture the zeal of my father’s house consumed me. Psalm 69: 9, hence where the insight for 1 Peter 2:18-3:7 came from.
The house of the lord (The church), The temple of the lord (the bodies in the church).
1 Corinthians 6: 4
4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
The book of Psalms written by David, Asaph and Ethan the Ezratite, somewhere we see the maskil (Psalm 32, 34), ascents, dedication of the temple (Psalm 30), wedding songs (Psalm 45), Mik tam (Psalm 57) contains both stories like in Psalm (2, 18) which tells of his escape from Absalom, a prayer (Psalm 86, 90), we see praise (Psalm 100), he talks about who God is from Aleph to Taw Psalm 119. As a director of music (Psalm 64, 65, 66, 67, 77) using stringed instruments. He writes about his circumstances, situation, praise, prayer using pipe and stringed instruments (Psalm 6), he makes a petition (Psalm 38), circumstances (Psalm 51), Sabbath (Psalm 92) and more? What picture does this give us? It shows us the PICTURE of the vision David had in his heart.
The songs of David – we worship in the house of the lord; the prayer of David – we pray in the house of the Lord, circumstances of David – the church is a place we bring our problems to; we have ministers like Asaph and Ethan in the house of God, Instruments in the house of God, Director of music in the house of God (David). We share testimonies and praise God. Most of all David prayer all through his circumstances reveals his relationship with Elohim, hence is why Jesus calls his father’s house a house of Prayer.
Thus, 1 Chronicles 28: 2 David first had the picture of the first CHURCH (House of Prayer): saying I had it in my heart to build a HOUSE as a place of REST for the ARK of the covenant of the LORD, a footstool of our God = Build a house for my name (House of God).
We have a new covenant in Christ Jesus, who gives us rest from all our troubles; The house of God is like its owner; where we praise, make petition, where God is to hear his testimony at the footstool of Elohim.
Summary
The book of Psalms, authored by David, Asaph, and Ethan the Ezratite, encompasses a rich variety of themes and forms. It includes the maskil (Psalm 32, 34), songs of ascent, temple dedications (Psalm 30), wedding songs (Psalm 45), and Mik tam (Psalm 57), each weaving narratives such as David’s escape from Absalom (Psalm 2, 18), prayers (Psalm 86, 90), praises (Psalm 100), and an extensive exploration of God’s attributes from Aleph to Taw in Psalm 119.
David, serving as a director of music (Psalm 64, 65, 66, 67, 77) using stringed instruments, explores his circumstances, offering praise, prayers with pipe and stringed instruments (Psalm 6), petitions (Psalm 38), repentance (Psalm 51), and reflections on the Sabbath (Psalm 92).
These Psalms collectively depict David’s spiritual journey and vision. They portray worship and prayer in the house of the Lord, where believers bring their troubles (Psalm 6), share testimonies, and offer praises. Ministers like Asaph and Ethan serve alongside David, directing music and praising God. David’s prayers throughout his trials reveal his deep relationship with Elohim, reflecting Jesus’ declaration of the temple as a house of prayer.
In 1 Chronicles 28:2, David’s vision to build the first house of prayer underscores his desire to provide a place of rest for the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God’s presence.
Under the new covenant in Christ, believers find rest and redemption. The house of God embodies its owner’s character, a sanctuary for worship, petitions, and testimony at the footstool of Elohim.
A healer of men and the wounded (wounded one) at the cross
Poor and yet Rich: 2 Cor 8:9. Philippians 4: 12-13
Lion of Judah and the savior of the whole word.
died and yet still alive
our high priest and yet a Judge
the savior of the Jews and the gentiles
Temple builder and destroyer
Had no sin and yet took our sins
the way (the father), truth (Jesus) and life giver (the Holy spirit)
Suffering and yet Praying
high and mighty and yet is a friend
We became:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
After Jesus speaks ‘about the little children belonging to the Kingdom of heaven”. He starts to talk about the kingdom of God. A man comes to meet Jesus and asked him, ‘Teacher, what good things must I do to get eternal life?”
Jesus answered, “there is only one who is GOOD, and that’s Elohim the father. this was his answer to the “GOOD” question.
Thy kingdom of God is brought here on earth, how? “Our father who is in heaven thy kingdom come and thy will be done on earth as it in heaven”. Gods will, is for us to keep his commands, so Jesus fulfilled all his commands thereby bringing the heavenly kingdom on earth.
Jesus further elucidates that to enter life, he needs to keep the commandments. The young man tells Jesus he has kept all the commands. Then, Jesus now asks a different question, if you want to be perfect (as the Law) go and sell your belonging.
Jesus answered 3 questions 1) who is Good? 2) how to enter the kingdom of God 3) how to be perfect (holy) as Elohim.
For one to enter into the kingdom of God, one must recognize only God as good only, to enter to life one must keep the commands of God, be perfecting their faith to be perfect as our heavenly father is. The young man walked away, as Jesus saw this, he said it will be HARD for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God, but not impossible, he likens to a Camel going through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.
Apparently being God is the only one who is good and once we recognize this, is the kingdom of God near to us. Apparently, the young man thought keeping the commands made him good and could recognize God as good only. The most a man can be is righteous, blameless but no one is good. However, the young man thought because he kept the commands, he was a good person, but to enter the kingdom of God one is supposed to repent (see their sin and have a change of heart) and see they were not good. A thing the young man could not see.
The disciples then asked then asked Jesus, WHO CAN BE SAVED; Jesus answered, God is able to make all things POSSIBLE (through himself), but with an it is IMPOSSIBLE. We are saved not because of our ability but because of God mercy (Jesus). We are saved not of ourselves; it is the free gift of God (Jesus) lest any of us should boast. Ephesians 2: 8- 22.
Jesus then tells the disciples that they would judge the 12 tribes of Israel, as there are 12 thrones (except Judas). Jesus says everyone that leaves houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother or wife or children or fields for his sake will receive a hundred times as much and inherit eternal life (see the beatitudes, Matthew 10:37-39, God is a jealous God, place no other above him).
Take away deductions – 1 timothy 6: 16
when Jesus said it is HARD FOR a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, do you know why? First, Timothy begins some can be eager for wealth or money and pierce themselves with many sorrows. I timothy 6: 10. Proverbs 10:22. Godly wealth maketh rich and adds no sorrow to it. Suffering for Christ is different from Sorrow. So, there are riches that bring pain. Timothy further says that many who want to get rich fall into temptations and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people to ruin. 1 timothy 6: 9.
So, how do people know their desires are not right? I Timothy 6 vs 11 when it is not godly, founded in what is right in the sight of God (righteousness), love, faith (not fear), endurance and gentleness.
How this affects people who go after riches with sorrow:
From 1 timothy 6 vs 17 – 20
They become arrogant because of their riches, the put their hope in wealth (much like young man above), instead of placing their hope in God. (This is why Jesus said it will be HARD for a rich man to make heaven). He then commands them that are rich to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and be generous and willing to share. This is why Jesus asked the young man to give all his wealth. He meant that by giving all his wealth, he would lay up treasures for a firm foundation in the coming age. So, they can take hold of life that is truly life. Asking us to guard against godless chatter (talks that does not bring godliness), opposing the ideas of what is FALSE called knowledge that has caused some to depart from the faith. So, apparently in verse 4, these conceited people have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that cause constant friction leading to a corrupt mind bringing suspicions, malice and strife.
Excerpts
The grace of Jesus has been given to us before the beginning of time and is revealed to us, through Jesus Christ who brings us to life. 2 timothy 1 vs 9
we are brought to life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 timothy 1: 10)
May the lord show us mercy, as we fan the flame of the gift God has given us, through his spirit. As we suffer for the gospel, he has saved us and is calling us to a holy life in his son, so, he (Yeshua) must increase as we decrease.
Indeed, Narrow is the way that leads to life and there be very few that find it. Matthew 7: 14.
In the previous writings, we talked about Jesus’ foundation for marriage. And we look at one such marriage with SAMSON. Mene Mene Teke uparsin is the phrase from Daniel which points to the weight of ones/our sins being weighed, counted as the economist would say reaching a time to maturity, and then being judged (found wanting or not). In Judges 14:4-5, we see samson has a wife (a betrothed) whom it was written:
3 His father and mother replied, “Isn’t there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?”
But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.” 4 (His parents did not know that this was from the Lord, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel.)
God allowed samson to fall in love his wife (not Delilah), who was a philistine, so he could seek an occasion to confront the philistines. But his parents did not accept this as they did not know it was the will of God. Therefore, Samson started to see his wife (an unnamed woman not delilah), whom his parents did not have a liking to. On a trip with his parent he killed a lion, and wanted to use the skin of the lion as a reward for his wife by giving them(the Phillistine) a riddle to solve in 7 days; when his wife(his betrothed) understood they-the Phillistine could not solve the riddle, she cried for 7 days and continued to press Samson to tell her, which of course he did.
Notice God will as we mentioned in the kingdom of God series of Matthew 19: was that samson would confront the philistines using his wife. Not fight or anything, just confront, which he was already doing.
Back to the scripture: When Samson, would go to Ashkelon to fight, at this point, his father and mother gave his wife(not delilah) to Samsons companion.
1st mistake: A betrothed woman was given to another man (possibly adultery).
Chapter 15: Samson returns and begins to look for his wife and his father and mother knowing what they did began to ask samson if he was angry, they gave out his wife to his companion, suggesting samson take the MORE attractive looking younger sister.
Findings:
Much of Samsons problem started with his parents.
1) He was to leave mother and father to be joined to his wife.
2) Judges 14 vs 4 God had made samson take liking to the phillistine, so his will would be done but his parent had no understanding of this.
3) The parents made it worse by giving samsons wife (not delilah) to samsons companion. Yet the samson still feeling she was the right one for him could not stop,
Hence, in anger samson used foxes to burn up the farms and houses of the phillistine. This was no longer a confrontation it was an attack. God asked samson to confront the phillistine and his allibi was to be his wife attacking them was not in Gods plan for samson.
Deduction:
Samson refused to see his parent part in what happened to him. The phillistine only accepted the person who came for his wife.
In Judges 15 vs 6, when samson burned up the phillistine farmland and houses, the phillistine would avenge by burning up his wife and her father to death. What was to be a simple confrontation resulted in this.
And Samson entered RAGE mode ( anger + revenge), and wanted to kill all the phillistine claiming he had killed 1,000 men. The men of Judah had to step to capture samson from making worse mistakes. why?
1) The men of Judah understood, God will better, they knew the phillistine were rulers over them – see Judges 15 vs 11.
2) No one opposed the authority given from God.
The men of Judah suppressed samson with 2 ropes, but when the spirit of Elohim entered samson again, he broke the ropes and used donkeys jaw bone to kill 1,000 phillistine.
For 20 years, Samson troubled the phillistine (whether it was because his soul was troubled and could not find rest, one things for sure, bitterness and anger grew from the death of his wife). In Chapter 16, we see samson spending a night with a prostitute, (as the bible called it under the law, fornication or eating unclean things). It showed samson already had ungodly desires which further made him accessible to the phillistine, this why oppression for 20 years made the phillistine use delilah (deception against him).
Excerpts
Samson did not get blind when he was captured, he was already blind when he decided to REVENGE, God help us, else, he would not have been succeptible to deception, if he had forgiven them.
God will for Samson was to confront them, he had not yet told samson to attack them.
It is important that parents know the will of God, for their childrens life not merely theirs.
Vengeance is mine saith the Lord, I will repay. To avenge oneself is to make one blind to their own faults as with samson and this gives a breeding ground to unclean spirit, hence samsons desires became ungodly, then he started going after prostitutes and thus delilah finally led him to his final blindness.
Much of samsons problems started with his parents, but he tried to put all the blame on the philistines, leading to the death of his wife.
Harmless as a dove, sometimes God wants us to be harmless as a dove. So, he can be our strength, the giver of strength is the lord. SAMSON used his strength to pull down the Phillistine than confront first, them as God intended.
May God help us take away every root of sin in our lives, so when we are weighed, counted and judged we won’t be found wanting.
Started with some Pharisees who asked him, if it is LAWFUL for a man to divorce his WIFE for any and every REASON! Jesus then summarizes his explanation that: 1) In the beginning of creation, God make THEM male and female (he made them in pairs – Male and Female). 2) A man will leave his father and mother, be JOINED to his wife (because that is how God made them). If you observe the 2nd sentence explains the first, so, a man will leave his mother & father and joined to his wife because that is how God created them in the beginning right. 3) Two will become one flesh (oneness in Gods eyes). 4) they are no longer two but one flesh because two has become one flesh/. 5) Since, God has made 2 into 1 by joining them together no one should separate. So, the man is not supposed to leave his mother and father until he is to be joined to a woman. Maybe because they bring him care or something. Since what God joins has become one.
Then the pharisees went on to ask why MOSES then permitted a man to give a certificate of divorce and send her away? 1) Jesus said divorce is permitted because THEIR HEARTS were hardened. But it was not this way in the beginning. Adam didn’t divorce EVE and sent her away. He blamed her for his fall out with God. 2) Jesus then says that if ANYONE, DIVORCES his WIFE, except for Sexual immorality and MARRIES another woman commit ADULTERY. His disciples then drew their conclusion: That if this is the case between a man and a woman, it better not to marry; Paul buttresses this point in 1 Corinthians as well. 1 Corinthians 7:38 LITV. Jesus replied that not everyone can accept what the disciples were saying except those whom the words are given. 1) There are people who can accept the words the disciples suggested as well as Paul, that men and women should not get married if they will DIVORCE. 2) There are eunuchs who were born that way (disability or illness). 3) Eunuchs that are made Eunuchs by others and choose to live as Eunuchs – Daniel, Priests etc. So, there are 3 categories of people who can accept it, Jesus said. Then Jesus begins to talk about the fruit of marriage (output) which are CHILDREN. He says suffer not the little children to come to me for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Not the Kingdom of God (The kingdom of God is come Matthew 6:9-13, thy will be done as it is in heaven. Gods will is his command, and Jesus fulfilled these commands and Law becoming a new kingdom of God here on earth, hence his body is still here on earth). Little Children = “Kingdom of Heaven” and “the Kingdom of God” is Jesus.
To back up of the first side of this chapter, we will go to the story of Samson in Judges 14, 15.
Even as I write I am more in awe of God. He can give gifts he would not take away, but still the best gifts in man, can be destroyed if we don’t tame ourselves. So, I pray God will strike a blow to the writer’s body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. I Cor 9: 27
