So . . . I don’t normally (as in, have never) compare myself to Samson. In his prime, I imagine this guy to be quite the physical specimen . . . long flowing hair . . . rugged, set jaw . . . ripped, six pack abs. Me, on the other hand? . . . short graying hair . . . and carrying more of a keg. I don’t think anyone would get the two of confused in a line up. But there is a common element between this judge of old and this saint of today . . . a similar dynamic at work . . .

Four times this morning, as I read Judges 13 to 15, I noticed that Samson was a Spirit empowered man. That Samson was special is beyond argument . . . the angel of the LORD, Himself, visiting a barren couple of the Danite tribe to inform them that they would bear a son and that he was to be set apart for service to the LORD from birth (Judges 13). And, after his birth, the Word says that “and the young man grew, and the LORD blessed Him. And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him” (13:24-25).

And then I read of three encounters with danger where, in each case, “the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him.” First to fight off an attacking lion (14:6) . . . then to kill 30 men after they had threatened his bride to be (14:19) . . . and finally, to strike down 1,000 men, intent on taking his life (15:14). All this trouble between Samson and the Philistines was designed by God (14:4) as the means of delivering the Israelites from 40 years of Philistine oppression. And enabling it all . . . empowering it all . . . working behind the scenes . . . the Spirit of God.

And then my reading took me to 1Corinthians 12 where I hovered over the following . . .

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit . . . To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good . . . All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills.   (1Corinthians 12:4, 7, 11 ESV)

Just as God had separated Samson to Himself, He has also separated to Himself a people to be His special treasure and a set apart people. Just as God had done a great work of deliverance through a less than perfect Samson, He too has determined to accomplish His work of redemption today through a less than perfect body of believers. And just as He empowered Samson for service through the “rushing” of the Spirit upon Him, today He “empowers” the body of Christ with a variety of “manifestations” of the Spirit, all for the “common good”.

And so, in that way, I’m kinda like Samson.

The same Spirit which mightily came upon this judge of old, has infused me with capability and energizes that ability when I seek to leverage it in service to the One who called me. The same Spirit who “rushed” upon Samson, will fill me as I learn to hear His voice and walk in His way. The same Spirit who wrought great victory through a less than great man, can also accomplish works beyond imagination through “jars of clay”, filled with His presence and power, willing to use whatever gifting they have as He presents opportunity.

The outcomes might not be as dramatic as they were in Samson’s days . . . but the power is the same . . .

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.   (1Corinthians 12:4-6 ESV)

Kinda like Samson . . . without the six pack . . . but for the glory of God!