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INSPIRATION BEHIND THE NAME OF THE BLOG


When an artist decides to make a painting, he "conceives" a picture. He then takes out the canvas, brushes and paint. After getting out all he may need, the artist starts picking out the colours and brushes he wants to use...then; he begins! Now, somewhere during the process of this painting he comes to the point where he decides to use a very fine brush to put in the some detail on the painting, but for some reason that brush just does not want to work...and having to finish the painting, the artist chooses another brush which even though it is not as fine (able) as the previous brush becomes a skilful wand in the hands of the artist, not due to the capabilities of the brush...no, due to the willingness!

Mat 22:14 for many are called, but few are chosen...

I believe this scripture does not refer to God having favourites and therefore does not want to choose some, but rather because some are consistently refusing God's grace and love to shape and mold their hearts.

Do you realize just how much God loves you...? He created the universe with words, yet He took the time to mold, shape and create you...this has to make you wonder; who is this God that thought of me before the foundation of the earth and if He thought of me, that must mean that I am worth so much in His hands...?


TURN THE OTHER CHEEK and MAKE YOUR ENEMY WEAK

The Story of Samson: A Lesson in Righteousness from God’s Perspective

In 2023, while leading a discussion with my students, I felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to explore the story of Samson, a man whose life is often seen through the lens of personal strength, vengeance, and tragic consequences. Yet, the deeper I dove into his story, the more I realized that Samson’s life offers profound insights into the difference between man’s perception of righteousness and God’s perfect understanding of it.

In our conversation, we reflected on the theme of righteousness; specifically, how human beings tend to measure it in terms of personal actions and retribution, while God’s perspective is rooted in mercy, grace, and purpose.

Samson's Riddle: A Glimpse into God’s Wisdom

In Judges 14:14, we find Samson challenging the Philistine guests with a riddle:

"Out of the eater came something to eat,
And out of the strong came something sweet."

At first glance, this riddle appears to be merely a playful puzzle. Yet, in the context of Samson's life and the greater narrative, it reveals a profound truth about God’s ways. The "eater" in the riddle refers to the lion that Samson had previously killed with his bare hands, and the "something sweet" refers to the honey that he found in the lion's carcass. This seemingly paradoxical image offers a window into understanding the nature of righteousness.

Samson's riddle speaks to the concept that what appears harsh, challenging, or destructive can yield something sweet and nourishing when placed in the hands of God. The lion, a symbol of strength and power, was defeated by Samson, but from its carcass came sweetness—a reminder that God’s purposes often emerge from the most unlikely and difficult circumstances. Samson’s strength and victories were always tied to God’s enabling, even if his actions didn’t always align with God’s best intentions for him.

Samson’s Life: A Cautionary Tale of Personal Vengeance

The tragic course of Samson's life is a powerful illustration of the difference between man’s perspective on righteousness and God’s. When Samson was born, his mother was told by God that her son would be consecrated and set apart for divine purposes. This divine calling meant that Samson’s life would be different, not just because of his physical strength but because he was meant to serve God's purposes in a unique way.

However, as we follow Samson’s journey, we see a man who is driven by personal desires, pride, and vengeance. While his physical strength is unmatched, Samson often acts in ways that reflect human judgment rather than divine wisdom. He takes matters into his own hands, seeking revenge for personal slights and choosing paths of destruction that ultimately lead to his downfall.

One of the most poignant lessons in Samson’s life is his repeated use of the "eye for an eye" mentality, seeking revenge whenever he was wronged. This approach, while human and understandable in a worldly sense, is far from the righteousness that God desires. Jesus taught His disciples a different way when He said:

"But I say to you, do not resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." (Matthew 5:39)

Samson’s life illustrates the destructive nature of vengeance. His acts of retaliation only escalated the conflict, leading him further away from his true purpose. It’s a reminder that when we seek to govern situations by our own sense of justice, especially when it involves personal revenge, we can miss the greater wisdom and peace that God offers.

Righteousness According to God’s Heart

God’s righteousness, in contrast, is not about equal retribution. Instead, it is about redemption, grace, and the unfolding of His divine plan. Samson’s life shows us that human righteousness often seeks balance and fairness based on our own understanding, but God’s righteousness transcends these earthly limits. God’s ways are higher, and His perspective is eternal.

This lesson extends beyond the biblical narrative and speaks into our current world, particularly in conflicts such as that between Palestine and Israel. Much like Samson’s struggle between vengeance and divine calling, the world grapples with how to pursue peace in the face of historical wounds and ongoing conflict. How do we move forward? How do we embody God's righteousness rather than human retaliation?

Reflecting on my own journey, I find myself deeply moved by how these principles apply to real-life struggles. I have experienced firsthand the emotional turmoil of being wronged, the anger that rises, and the temptation to seek justice on my own terms. But just as Samson’s story reminds us, personal vengeance only leads to destruction, while God’s justice leads to redemption.

Drawing from my personal experiences with violations and violence, I have identified five guiding principles for peacemaking that align with biblical righteousness:

  • Guard Your Heart – True peace begins within. Shielding our hearts from hatred and bitterness allows reconciliation to flourish. Without this foundation, peace remains an illusion.
  • Understand the Root Cause – To resolve conflict, we must first seek to understand its underlying causes. Only by addressing these deeply ingrained issues can meaningful dialogue and sustainable solutions emerge.
  • Explore Motivations – Behind every action lies a motivation. By striving to understand even our adversaries' perspectives, we lay the groundwork for genuine engagement and conflict resolution.
  • Acknowledge Responsibility – Where our actions have contributed to conflict, we must take ownership. Making amends and seeking solutions show true commitment to peace.
  • Extend Grace – In moments of injustice, extending prayers and blessings to adversaries can be a powerful step toward healing. Trusting in righteousness and divine intervention paves the way for resolution.

By embracing these principles, we not only foster negotiations for peace but also nurture reconciliation and understanding across all divides. Rooted in personal experience and reflection, these insights provide a path forward in navigating complex geopolitical challenges with empathy and integrity.

The Call to Reflect on Our Own Righteousness

As we reflect on Samson’s life, it calls us to examine our own understanding of righteousness. Are we governed by the world’s standards of justice, where revenge and personal satisfaction dictate our actions? Or do we seek righteousness through God’s heart. focused on mercy, forgiveness, and the greater good that God desires to bring about, even in the most difficult circumstances?

In my own journey, I’ve grappled with feelings of hurt and betrayal. There were times when I felt justified in harboring resentment, believing my pain warranted retribution. Yet, through prayer and reflection, I’ve come to understand that clinging to such emotions only distances me from God’s love. Embracing forgiveness and seeking understanding, even when it’s challenging, brings me closer to the peace that God desires for us all.

Just as Samson’s life, filled with flaws and mistakes, still played a role in God's overarching purpose, we too can rest assured that even in our imperfections, God can use us to accomplish His will. His righteousness is not about being perfect but about being yielded to Him, trusting that He will bring sweetness and purpose out of even the most challenging moments of our lives.

Conclusion

The story of Samson is a powerful lesson in understanding the difference between human righteousness and Godly righteousness. It challenges us to move beyond the world's standards of justice and to embrace God's heart, which is full of grace, mercy, and redemption. Just as Samson’s riddle pointed to something deeper, we too are called to see beyond our own perspectives and trust that God’s wisdom and love will guide us toward true righteousness.

As we live our lives, let us seek to align our hearts with God's, turning away from the temptation of personal vengeance and embracing the righteousness that comes from His grace and understanding. In doing so, we not only transform our own lives but also become instruments of His peace in a world longing for redemption.




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