Ruth and Sampson: A Study in Contrast
My reflection this week is a study in contrasts. We have Ruth and Naomi who are a study in quiet strength. They did what needed to be done in grace and wisdom. We hear no whispers of complaint or murmuring despite trials, tribulations and hardships. They worked hard and people noticed. Then we have Samson whose birth was heralded by an Angel of the Lord and is blessed by the Lord. Yet he does nothing. He shows off his strength and is tempted and gives in to temptation. He does not increase his learning. He does not use his strength for good purposes, and if I understand the Law of Clean and Unclean properly he caused anyone who ate that honey to be unclean. We know that even prophets are not perfect. The only perfect man to ever live was Jesus. However, the lesson we can learn from Sampson is one of wasted potential. This man appears to have not applied himself to doing much of anything except amusing himself. Be more like Ruth and Naomi, strive and work hard, be less like Sampson.
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