Text: “When he came to Lehi, the Philistines came shouting to meet him. Then the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him, and the ropes that were on his arms became as flax that has caught fire, and his bonds melted off his hands” (Judges 15:14).

Context, Context, Context: Samson, though a throughly fallen man, served as a saving figure and judge of Israel. He was impetuous at times. He was prideful at times. He was vainglorious at times. But God still installed Samson as a judge to execute the will of God.

In the verse quoted above, it’s important to notice the phrase “the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon [Samson].” Why? It’s to teach us that it was God who was acting through his servant Samson against the enemies of God.

Just when it appeared that the forces of darkness would triumph, God’s appointed servant and judge arose in triumph. Sounds a lot like the gospel of Christ Jesus, right? Because it is just that.

Encouragement: When the enemies are at the gate, when the Philistines in your life assault God’s people, when truth seems it is being eclipsed by the powers of hell, God rises. You can even murder God the Son, but three days later, God will have the last word. Truth eventually but always wins out and exposes the darkness.