RTW April 4
The Power In Me
At that moment the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he ripped the lion’s jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat. But he didn’t tell his father or mother about it.
Judges 14:6
My Takeaways
Something Old
Jephthah’s vow
https://www.gotquestions.org/Jephthahs-daughter.html
Something New
He touched the dead lion. Numbers 6:6–7
The Spirit’s power is in me, but am I allowing Him to have power over me?
- Do I compromise the Spirit’s work by doing things my own way?
- Do I allow the Spirit to help me obey God?
- Do I allow the Spirit to make me more like God?
- Do I allow the Spirit to make me renown, or Him known?
Something to Do
Live in my Power.
Wendy-thank you for the link. I was really struggling with understanding and wrapping my head around the sacrifice of Jephthah’s daughter. This helped.
As I was reading the account of Samson I saw just what a mess he was. He was a mean, entitled, privileged, sneaky, spoiled brat! He did a lot of wrong things-even perhaps evil things-and yet “the Lord was at work in this”. As I was reading I was thankful that even though I’m still a huge mess spiritually God is still at work in every situation – even when I really mess things up!
But here’s the thing-it was Wendy’s lesson and some of the questions that made me realize that I AM SAMSON! I’m mean, act privileged, entitled and spoiled. I see what I want and I go after it-asking God to come along with me. I do things my own way. And yet God in His faithfulness continues to be at work in this. Who am I that you are mindful of me, Lord?
Wow, Mary. This is so powerful. Thanks for bringing these points “home.” And yes … who am I that You are mindful of me, Lord?
~I am thankful to have the Spirit living in me, but I too can make foolish/rash decisionsor promises if I act on my own rather than seeking Hjis guidance.
~God’s supernatural provision is evident when He causes water to gush out of a hollow pin the ground. This is an encouragement. He can (and does) provide for my needs, whatever they may be.
~Did these OT people who had the Spirit of the LORD come upon them know what was happening and that is was the Spirit of the LORD?
MaryJG
I’m certainly not sure about the answer to the question did they know, but if you read Judges 16: 23-30, this may give some insight. (tomorrow’s reading)…”strengthen me just one more time.” I know this is Samson’s prayer, but I would think that he had to feel the Spirit of the LORD at that time. ????
You’ve presented a good question to research… thanks!
Mema Jeanne