The Right One For The Job

DAILY WORD

11/16/22

3. Samson said, “This time I cannot be blamed for everything I am going to do to you Philistines.”

4. Then he went out and caught 300 foxes. He tied their tails together in pairs, and he fastened a torch to each pair of tails.

5. Then he lit the torches and let the foxes run through the grain fields of the Philistines. He burned all their grain to the ground, including the sheaves and the uncut grain. He also destroyed their vineyards and olive groves.

Judges 15: 3–5 NLT

As we begin Today’s Passage, I have to admit two things. The first is that The Story of Sampson is one of, if not my favorite, stories in the Bible. The second admission is that there are several descriptions of Sampson’s fetes which I have no clue as to the meaning of. I mean, the depiction of what he did is there, but an explanation of how Sampson accomplished them is something else entirely!

Sampson does something ridiculous in Today’s Passage, but the “how” of it had to have been accomplished through the Power of God Himself. Why do I take that position? Well, why don’t you answer that question yourself?

Ask yourself this question; what does it take to catch one fox?

When you’ve taken the time to consider this, then consider the method of capture. How long might that have taken should you have used a snare or some kind of trap? Now, we also have to consider the character of a fox. What is it that foxes are known for? Being sharp, alert, nimble, and hard to catch, right?

When the British aristocracy went on a fox hunt back when it was still legal, they utilized horses, rifles, and packs of hunting dogs. None of those things were mentioned in the Text. There was no record of Sampson using traps, snares, horses, or tracking animals. In my mind, I’ve always imagined that he did all this with his bare hands!

Now, that is not certain. In fact, there may have been a relatively common method of capturing foxes in Biblical times that we are unaware of today. Yeah, that doesn’t sound plausible to me, either! So, I’m going on the assumption that a furious Sampson caught the foxes by hand, his incredible vigor fueled by his emotion, which was driven by God’s Spirit, thrusting him toward vengeance.

The man caught 300 foxes, tied their tails together, lit them, and set them loose in the Philistine’s corn fields! We’re not even talking about how he caught them, where he kept them, how he tied their tails, or how this was done without sustaining serious injury! As I said, ridiculous! That may be a stretch but given the Text’s account and our limited knowledge of ancient Israelite technology, however, he did it, it was all but miraculous.

Sampson’s anger over his wife being given to his best man after the whole wedding riddle fiasco drove his retribution, but if you think that was the end of it, you’ve got another thing coming. Sampson’s Story isn’t even close to over! Think about what the reaction to his sabotage will be because the Philistines will not just take this lying down.

They think they have dominion over the Israelites, which is why God Called Sampson in the first place, bringing us to Today’s Lesson. What do you think happens when God needs something accomplished that may not be entirely peaceful and uplifting? What does He do when an enemy threatens His people, people He’s Promised to Protect if they follow Him?

When things get ugly, and the chips are down, does God ignore the issue? And when He does affect change in the situation, who does He pick? Would it do any good for God to select a weak, timid, sniveling little coward, or do you think another type of individual would be more appropriate? Well, He Chose Sampson, a man who was deviant, strong-willed, and rebellious, but he was the perfect man for the job.

Have you ever wondered why a particular individual remains in Church even though they are clearly not living up to the Standards we all know to be Christlike? They hang on year after year, never really outwardly committing to the parameters of Christianity. Well, might that individual who you think is unworthy be the exact person God plans to use for the most challenging time looming upon the proverbial horizon?

God sees the end of a thing and knows who’s best for each task. When you see something ugly looming over the horizon and know you can’t handle what’s coming, start looking for a Sampson, because I can guarantee you, He’s not left you lacking!

God Loves us and wants us to win! When you can’t see the end of your trial or test, you may have to start looking for that one guy, that one woman we don’t necessarily trust or make time to hang out with. It may be that person God intends to use for His Glory and to pull you out of your jeopardy.

Never shun God’s people because you may be rejecting His Plan! The very ones you think are unworthy, God may be using to work out your issue. Because you have to remember, The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways, His Wonders to behold! Just something to consider the next time you’re facing adversity.

Have a Wonderful Wednesday And Never Forget; The One You Shun May Be The Very One God Has Sent To Rescue You!

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