There is a sense in which Samson, in his dying, redeemed himself. Don't get me wrong, he prayed to God and God answered him (Judges 16:26-30). However, in his death we see that he returned to God repentant, and God gave him his greatest victory over his enemy.How polar opposite is Jesus Christ! In His dying, He redeemed humanity. No doubt He prayed to God and these prayers on the cross are gratefu...  Read More

For a moment, this morning, I got distracted by angels and glorified saints. It struck me that the angel who appeared to Samson's parents was completely indiscernible from a human being (Judges 13:11, 21). On the other hand, the glorified Moses and Elijah were completely identifiable. What made them so familiar to the three (Luke 9:30-31)? Was it their appearance, their conversation, or did Jesus ...  Read More

There are moments one more clearly understands Jesus' comment: "Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:27, CSB). Such comments have always raised questions about Jesus' intention and the expectation of His early return. However, Jesus did remind His hearers that 'the Kingdom was already in their midst' (Luke 17:21)...more ...  Read More

There is a tenderness to the heart of God that finds its expression in the roller coaster journey of Israel during the period of the judges. Once again the people cry out to God in desperation. They are enduring His judgment for their sins and they need deliverance. The writer invites us into God's compassionate heart: "...and He could bear the misery of Israel no longer" (Judges 10:16b, NASB). Th...  Read More

Yahweh Shalom (I AM is our Wholeness & Wellbeing, our Peace)In a day when God-encounters were few, God's angel showed up in the presence of Gideon. It obviously took Gideon a little while to realize that this was no mere mortal. Then, fear ensued. To be in God's presence (which to Gideon, the angel directly represented) was to die. God's word: Shalom (may all that makes you whole and complete, and...  Read More

Jael is the name of Deborah's prophetic heroine (Judges 4:9, 17-22). Her name could have two possible meanings: mountain goat; or, one who profits, gains, or benefits (Abarim publications). They could be interconnected, for mountain goats are agile, ascending to the heights to gain what is needed, so benefiting from God's provision. When used in the latter sense, it is most often to say that there...  Read More