Different Paths – Different Destinations

The Old Testament story of Samson echoes the story of Israel. An angel of God announced his birth and proclaimed that he was to be dedicated to the Lord for a special purpose. God gave him special powers for securing that purpose. Yet as he grew into adulthood, Samson’s lusty passions would lead him down the road to destruction.

In a similar way at a later time, God chose Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to Israel.” Jeremiah’s passion for proclaiming God’s message sent him out into the streets to alert Israel they must turn back to God to avoid the destruction that was looming on the horizon for them. However unlike Jeremiah’s passion, Samson’s ungodly passion led him to pursue Delilah, the woman responsible for securing his downfall.

While each person will undergo temptations to forsake their higher calling, for every temptation God is faithful to provide a way to escape the entrapment of being lured into sin. Like Samson, we’re often inundated by Satan’s fiery darts, but thanks be to God for Christ Jesus our safeguard, who will shield us from the power of ungodly passions.   

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No temptation has come your way that is too hard for flesh and blood to bear. But God can be trusted not to allow you to suffer any temptation beyond your powers of endurance. He will see to it that every temptation has its way out, so that it will be possible for you to bear it.

~1 Corinthians 10:13 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

Happy is the man who doesn’t give in and do wrong when he is tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward the crown of life that God has promised those who love him.

James 1:12 The Living Bible

Passion's Poison: Accept the Antidote!

Samson, an Old Testament character from the book of Judges, is known for his physical strength. He is notorious for having been a passionate person determined to get his way regardless of consequences. His obsession to satisfy his passions is what C. S. Lewis branded as “sweet, sweet poison.”

Samson's passionate determination to get his way is analogous to Adam and Eve’s experience in the Garden of Eden. The fruit on the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil looked enticing, but the moment it was tasted, the consequences became poisonous, just as C. S. Lewis predicted about such an obsession. As their passionate obsession took control, their innocence evaporated.

Adam and Eve discovered that an obsession may promise more than can be delivered. Even with godly passions we can be pulled into an obsession that's based exclusively on the need for self-satisfaction. So who shall deliver us from this self-inflicted poison? “Thank God for Jesus Christ who redeems and saves us.” Christ Jesus is the antidote for passion’s poison.

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With my whole heart I agree with the Law of God. But in every part of me I discover something fighting against my mind, and it makes me a prisoner of sin that controls everything I do. What a miserable person I am. Who will rescue me from this body that is doomed to die? Thank God! Jesus Christ will rescue me.

~Romans 7:22-25 Contemporary English Version