Hair We Go
Judges 13:5 “You will give birth to a son, and his hair must never be cut. For he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines."
What is it about hair? We seem to make a big deal about hair—colors, shapes and lengths of hair styles can define life styles. They have been symbols of status, prestige and power for centuries. Remember the long hair that flew in to America with the Beatles? Generations of men changed thinking hair had power.
Remember Samson in the Old Testament? He said that his enormous strength was wrapped up in his hair. Silly idea? When he was attacked by a lion and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, he killed it with his hands. Several other events are detailed where his tremendous strength is provided by the Spirit of the Lord. One such event was against the Philistine army. He killed 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey. Was it his hair?
Sometime later, Samson’s Philistine lover, Delilah, discovered his secret. He told her: “My hair has never been cut. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as anyone else." So while he slept she shaved his head. They subdued him and enslaved him. So, was it his hair?
They chained him to the central pillars of a temple where the Philistine leaders and 3,000 others were gathered, jeering at their old nemesis. Samson prayed “Sovereign Lord, give me strength just one more time.” He put his hands on the pillars, pushed, and the whole temple crashed down. He killed more people when he died than he had in his whole life. He began the rescue foretold in Judges 13:5.
So, was his hair his strength? No. It was the Spirit of the Lord! He had broken the promise made at his birth and forgotten where his strength came from. He accepted the glory for his accomplishments. How many times have we disregarded God’s place in our lives, forgotten where our abilities come from—maybe worse, forgotten how they are to be used? God gave us stewardship of the earth and it is still our responsibility. God gave each of us a part in that plan and gifts to succeed. The day will come when that glorious plan will be fulfilled. Until then we can get through each day by acknowledging God as preeminent in our lives, serving him, helping others and giving Him the glory.
Holy God, We praise you. You are our strength, our redeemer. Use us to spread your kingdom, here and now, as we give you the glory.