The secret to Samson’s God-given great strength was his long hair (Judg. 16:17). Yes, that is an odd way to give physical strength to Samson, but who are we to question the means God chooses to accomplish His work (1 Pet. 3:21)?

Samson loved Delilah (Judg. 16:4). But one thing he did not like about her was her constant nagging (Judg.16:16). She wanted to know the secret of his great strength, but he refused to tell her. Three different times he pretended to tell her only to tease her (Judg. 16:6-15). Finally, her nagging wore him down, and he told her the truth (Judg. 16:17). That was to be the greatest mistake of his life. She, whom Samson loved, then betrayed him, and handed him over to his captors in return for a considerable amount of silver (Judg. 16:5, 18). They immediately cut his hair and carried him away to be mocked and brutally mistreated (Judg. 16:21, 25).

Our Lord Jesus received similar treatment. Like Samson, Jesus was betrayed by one he loved, and handed over to his enemies for a payment of silver. Judas knew where Jesus would be on Maundy Thursday (John 18:2). For 30 silver coins he led the captors to the Garden of Gethsemane and betrayed Jesus with a kiss (Matt. 26:14-15, 47-49). After Jesus was arrested, he was cruelly mocked and beaten (Mark 15:16-20).

In captivity, Samson’s hair began to grow out (Judg. 16: 22). During a great celebration, the Philistines asked for Samson to be brought out so they might be entertained by his great feats of strength (Judg. 16:25). One of the servants placed Samson between two supporting pillars of the temple. Samson prayed, “O Sovereign LORD, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more” (Judg. 16:28). Then with arms outstretched, “He pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus, he killed more people when he died than while he lived” (Judg. 16:30). What a great victory for Samson! Even though it cost him his life.

Jesus’ greatest victory also cost Him His life. With arms outstretched, he was nailed to Calvary’s cross, and His death brought the ultimate defeat of all His enemies. While Jesus was dying on the cross, He did not look victorious, but He was winning the most important battle in the history of the world—the final battle against death and the devil. “Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is the devil” (Heb. 2:14). The glorious announcement of victory was made on Easter, but the decisive battle was fought and won on Good Friday—for you.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, how much You must love me. You allowed Yourself to be beaten, mocked and crucified so that You could conquer my greatest fears—sin, death, and the devil. Thank You for Your great love. Help me to treasure it always. Amen.

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Updated: Tuesday February 12, 2008