Is This Really a Savior?

Is This Really a Savior? by Arie Leder

Scripture Reading: Judges 14:1-3
"God [sent] his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh..."
Romans 8:3

In Samson, God sent his people a savior—and what did Samson want to do?

All he wanted was to satisfy his eyes’ desire. Samson saw a beautiful Philistine girl and wanted her for his wife. His parents remind him that God wanted him to marry one of God’s people (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). But Samson insisted on having this woman because she was right in his own eyes (14:3).

This Nazirite from the womb, though endowed with the Spirit, was not led by the Spirit but by his wandering eyes— just as are many of God’s people. They too are special among all the peoples of the earth, bound by their promises (covenant) to love God above all—but repeatedly they follow after other gods. Like the people, Samson does what is wicked in God’s eyes.

In Samson, God sent a savior who mirrored the sins of his people, because God designed the savior of his people to know the burden of their wickedness. Even more, to suffer the consequences of their wickedness. None of the saviors in the Biblical book of Judges, however, could escape the burden and consequences of their own sins. Neither can we.

Thanks be to God for the true Savior, Jesus, who understands our weaknesses, who was tempted as we are, but did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). He took on the burden of all our wickedness, and he suffered the consequences of our sin for our sake.

Then he rose from the grave, providing new life for all who believe in him! Hallelujah, what a Savior!

For the Savior who knew me and bore my sin, I thank you, Lord.

Open my eyes to live for you. Amen.