Judges 16:28-30 “The Death of Sampson”

Judges 16:28-30 “The Death of Sampson”

Two of the recurring themes of Judges are, “Again the people did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.” “God raised up a Judge to deliver the people.” Now another on “God shows up.” Today we look at the death of Sampson and will end our study of Judges.

Sampson played with the Philistines, partied with them, played around with their women, until he found himself powerless and blind. Forced to push the grindstone in the prison grain mill in an endless circle. Now he is called to entertain the Philistines at their drunken party.

1.       We find ourselves in Samson’s place
a. tricked by life
b. a victim of our self-indulgence.
c. in an endless cycle of despair.
d. blind and powerless.

2.       vs 22 “but Sampson’s hair began to grow.
a. The great strength given to Sampson returns.
b. God empowered Ehud, Deborah, Barak and Gideon.
c. God restored David. God raised Joseph from the bottom of a well.
d. God shows up.

3.       Discounted by the world
a. our church is to old
b. our Gospel out of date and out of touch
c. we are to small, we are to poor
d. But God has shown up every day.

e. you feel so weak and your problems so large
f. Your sin so great and your habits to much a part of you.
g. But God shows up every day.

4. But God delivers
a. a message for your friends, family, children, spouse, coworkers, people you meet.
b. a message for you, hope for you,
c. the message for our church
d. God can and will deliver us.
e. call out to Him, He will hear, He will heal, He will save, He will deliver.
f. God always shows up.