In Judges 16:6 we read these words: “Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth.”
Even before we set the verse in context … someone possessed (and displayed) unusually stout power or ability.
At least enough to spark interest (though here for a bad reason), here more than enough to create curiosity!
I wonder if that might ever (sincerely) be asked about you, about me?
Do our lives exhibit sufficient steadfastness, power, faithfulness, endurance … to draw such a question? “Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth.”
By the way, should this scenario every really happen to you … “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope (a form of strength) that is in you with meekness and fear.” Quoting 1 Peter 3:15.
And again, should it be asked … here’s the way to properly reveal the Cause, the real Reason for such strength … “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16, Our Lord Jesus speaking, from His great Sermon on the Mount. Our Father in Heaven … the strength-giver!
Spiritually as well as physically our strength (or lack thereof) generally comes from what we eat. And we Christians “eat” the Word of God! That’s our milk and bread and meat and desert (sweeter than honey from the honeycomb)!
Yes, the Bible is both quick (reviving) and powerful (like dynamite, the very Greek noun used here)!
The Holy Spirit is also our strength giver. Jesus often called Him the “Comforter,” in Latin that’s “com” plus “fortis.” When properly translated … “with strength!”
Wow!
Now contextually, this is Delilah asking Samson for the source of his strength … so she can orchestrate his downfall!
She didn’t really care about Samson … and the saddest thing about that account … Samson had already lost much of his strength due to sin (the strength robber) in his heart.
Soon, after that haircut, “And Samson wist not that the LORD was departed from him.” Judges 16:20
Strength gone!
No one will ask him again, tragically … “Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth.”
Christain reading here today … do you have strength of character? Of love and loyalty? Of determination to continue serving the Lord … no matter what?
We sing … “Let others see Jesus in you.” Wonderful!
Let’s also sing … “Let others see the strength of God in you!”
Paul will now close our devotional this morning … “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Ephesians 6:10
Live, demonstrate this verse and many will be asking the source of your strength!
Tell them!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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