Samson was a valiant warrior. He knew what it was like to stand up to powerful enemies, fight against tremendous odds, and finish victoriously. He could kill a lion with his bear hands (Judg. 14:5- 6), catch 300 foxes (Judg. 15:4), and kill 1,000 enemies with the jawbone of a donkey (Judg. 15:15-16). Samson was no stranger to fighting hard and being victorious against both man and beast.

We also have numerous enemies. St. Paul writes, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the . . . powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12). These enemies are formidable. The evil in this world and the satanic forces from Hell have formed a coalition to bring about our eternal defeat. Either they must be vanquished or we will be eternally doomed. But how can we conquer the overwhelming power of evil? On our own we are quite helpless.

There is only one, who, with Samson-like strength, defeated our enemies. Zechariah speaks of Him when he says, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because . . . He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David (as he said through His holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us . . . to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve Him without fear” (Luke 1:68-74). This One is Jesus. This is the One King David speaks of when he says, “The Lord [the Father] says to my Lord [His Son]: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’ . . . you will rule in the midst of your enemies” (Ps. 110:1-2).

After Jesus was baptized, He went “into the desert to be tempted by the devil” (Matt. 4:1). Jesus was the aggressor. He actively sought out His enemy so He could engage him in battle. Jesus was tempted to use His divine power for His own needs (Matt. 4:3-4). He was tempted to use His power to test the loving care of His Father (Matt. 4:5-7). He was tempted to forsake His mission and go in league with Satan (Matt. 4:8-10). There were still other temptations (Luke 4:13). But Jesus conquered them all (1 Pet. 2:22, Heb. 4:15).

In conquering all temptations, He conquered the Tempter—for you. Jesus has defeated evil. He has conquered the power of sin. We can say with David, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cringe before You” (Ps. 66:3). Life can be frightening. The terrible power of evil is real, and it must be taken seriously. But we need not fear. Rather, “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57).

Prayer: Lord, in the face of evil I am weak and powerless. But I need not fear, because You have fought the good fight. You have battled evil and won. You have conquered the enemies of sin and Satan. Keep me mindful that in You the victory is mine. Amen.

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Updated: Tuesday February 12, 2008