"How do you assess the life and ministry of a man like Samson? I think
Alexander Maclaren says it well: "Instead of trying to make a lofty hero out
of him, it is far better to recognize frankly the limitations of his
character and the imperfections of his religion. . . . If the merely human
passion of vengeance throbbed fiercely in Samson's prayer, he had never
heard 'Love your enemies'; and, for his epoch, the destruction of the
enemies of God and of Israel was duty." His decline began when he disagreed
with his parents about marrying a Philistine girl. Then he disdained his
Nazirite vow and defiled himself. He disregarded the warnings of God,
disobeyed the Word of God, and was defeated by the enemies of God. He
probably thought that he had the privilege of indulging in sin since he wore
the badge of a Nazirite and won so many victories for the Lord, but he was
wrong. "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down,
without walls" (Prov. 25:28, nkjv). "He who is slow to anger is better than
the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city" (Prov.
16:32, nkjv). I wonder whether Solomon was thinking about Samson when he
wrote those words."
This is absolutely magnificent in every way. When you closed your lesson
this evening, I must admit that a tear found it's way onto my face. En
route to Church this evening, Aaron, Lindsey and I spoke at some length
about the distinctives of the charismatic / effervescent movement in
relationship to more traditional and ancient forms of Christianity. I am
deeply impressed with the Ancient Faith (Orthodox) and even some forms of
Catholicism. The worship is traditional, old as the faith it's self and
even patterned in some cases after the practices of the primordial Church.
But discipleship and personal growth outside tradition has fallen aside.
Would you fall away? I dare say not, you are bound by thousands of years of
tradition, history and a community identity founded on those traditions.
The Charismatic "seeker sensitive" movement features outpouring of emotion
quite worthy of an Almighty God on the surface. The terminology is even
different. But the truth is often preached. fervently. the tradition
consists of less than a hundred years of history. But even those among it's
ranks note the inconsistencies between prayer, preaching and practice. God
most certainly can act without human assent and would not respect speaking
in tongues followed by the use of profanity against a host thirty minuts
later. But still, the concept of outreach is there and they can retain the
truth. Leave? Fall in love with a pretty girl, call it "The calling of
God" and walk away.
But at Anchor and Congregations like it, we have the needed mix. The hymns
and practices would appeal to an Orthodox or Catholic, except that the rich
content and personal impact of Scripture is so very evident. Though not
spoken in Latin, Greek or some other dusty language, The words are largely
the same set to even more powerful melodies. I attended an Orthodox /
Byzantine congrigation in July, the doxology was exactly the same, in
English, but sung as a chant. The scripture lesson is not usually very
deep.
at Anchor Baptist and perhaps a few Churches like it, we get so deeply into
the Word of God..
Pastor Carl was teaching a Sunday School lesson on Sunday morning. This
lesson was also more than worthy of any pulpit. Perhaps like Sampson, I was
playing with the minds of others. I made some sort of bizarre connection
between the Samaritan woman who was at that moment with a sixth man named
Jesus and expecting insight into worship in spirit and truth when I
connected the situation with the iron fist with which I govern my own life
and household.
You see, the prime directive in this home is that "no person who resides in
these walls or calls our people family shall at any time raise their voice
in anger or say a single word with the intention of inflicting harm on
another human being.". All of us were raised in abusive and neglectful
homes and know too deeply the pain an innocent suffers at the hands of an
angry loved one. I asked the parents if they had ever risen their voices in
anger against a child. The ascension I heard did little to assuage my
guilty conscience.
Beyond the superficial, Oh, how like Sampson I have become. Were the
Kingdom a Navy, I would be little more than a super carrier, quite eager to
blast entire regions into submission, terrifying an entire nation, but quite
ineffectual in transporting food to the starving, or rendering aid to the
capsized sailboat. In outrage, perhaps like Sampson, I had risen my
powerful voice against the innocent to protect my own selfish definition of
honor, with no regard to the damage I caused. And as Sampson flirted with
Delighla, as a dog returns to it's vomit, I do not put those destructive
habits behind me. I am all to quick to fight God's battles, but unlikely to
turn the other cheek.
I spoke to the youth regarding forgiveness a few weeks ago. One very bright
student asked if I would "turn the other cheek". In humiliation, I honestly
said "no,.. I would draw my blaster and blast the one that struck me." I
am as forgiving as a hero from a spaghetti western and as compassionate as
Emporer Palpatine.
Your words and those of Carl pierced me through and through. Think of it: I
was lead to Christ thirty years ago just down the street. But sometimes I
fail so badly that I want to place my hands on those pillars and utter
Sampson's last prayer. Pray that the light that flickers grows to a
campfire. I do not want to die with enemies at my throat, I want to pass
away in peace, knowing my job to be well done. And pray that those I love
would never suffer again from my imperfections.
And Pastor, please do not leave me an unfinished work. I spoke with Coach
on the way home the other day. You and Carl are gifted beyond even what you
or even your families might suspect. Be harsh with me, be honest with me,
Exhort me to change. I am blind and growing far older than my demeanor or
chronological age might indicate. I think I might live less than other men.
My life has been filled with heartbreak and until just the last few years
with hardship. But I believe the current serenity I now enjoy is a
precursor to higher service and sacrifice. I will never lead so well as do
the two of you. But please stay the course so long as your bible and worthy
conscience guide your steps. Lead me, lead us, to higher service.
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