Philistine

Jdg 14:20  But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his 
friend. 

	For some reason, Samson had an eye for Philistines. I'm sure there were plenty of 
eligible Hebrew women available for his courting, but he kept finding himself in pursuit 
of a Philistine lass. Maybe they were a little taller with more defined features that 
appeared more attractive to him, or maybe their personalities drew him in. It may have 
been that it was just because they weren't locked into the confinements of the Tora and all 
the restrictions it placed upon his own people. Maybe he just wanted to be accepted for 
who he really was and to not be seen as some elevated "special" person who had been 
chosen to a "special" calling. With the Philistines there was an element that fulfilled him 
in a way that apparently seemed worth the all the risks and the compromises. 
	Though he had been anointed and set apart to be used by God in a very powerful 
way, this anointing did not exempt Samson from social disorder, a longing for a ride on 
the wild side, and a loneliness that never seemed to be satisfied. He had just held a huge 
party that should have brought him pleasure, but here he found himself again, without a 
companion and having given his wife to a former friend. While his family, his people, 
and his calling had great potential in providing him with a stable, productive and 
enjoyable life, there was a reoccurring call from the forbidden place and the forbidden 
way. The pleasure he found there could not be ignored, and he couldn't help but give in to 
the promise it held for him. Even though his anointing did not depart, and even though he 
continued to demonstrate his incredible strength, there was awaiting him at the end of his 
escapades a destructive end that also could not be avoided. Possibly it was that his gift 
did not depart in the midst of his transgression that caused him to venture further and 
further into the way that should have been so far from his heart. It was almost as if his 
ways were validated to some extent by the lack of any consequences to the thing that 
empowered him most. He definitely found out just how far he could go. Though lingering 
for a time, there was an imminent end to the gratification of his Philistine passion. 
	Samson was far removed in his abilities from most of us. The demonstration of 
God's power and strength through him was really most incredible. Like him, though, each 
one of us, in accepting the gift of life in Jesus, has also been entrusted with an anointing 
and a "special" gifting and purpose. And there is also a force that opposes the existence of 
this anointing, calling us to depart and experience the gratification of our "Philistine" 
hunger. While our anointed gift is faithful and will stay till the end, and though it remain 
in its function through the greatest of transgressions, it will never validate and justify the 
choices and actions of digression from the way of truth. There is a destructive end that, 
like the passion for diversion, will not be avoided. Progress towards the satisfaction of the 
enemy's enticements will always be progress towards a destructive end, whether or not 
there are immediate repercussions. Our gift is something that will not be quickly 
withdrawn, but our relationship with the One who gave it will suffer immediately upon 
the departure to the foreign land, and ultimate separation from Him will be set in motion 
upon the willful step towards the alien way, however enticing it may be.
	There is a promise of life that is without remorse, regret and loneliness. In this life 
is the way of peace joy and total fulfillment in living. In choosing to listen, though, to the 
way of the evil one and to be driven towards the pleasure in his camp, there is a departure 
from the ability to live this promised life. A choice for the Philistine is a choice for 
ultimate destruction, and only a heart-driven return to the land of the living will bring 
release from the darkness. The gift will never be the indicator or the gauge, only evidence 
that our God will not remove what He has given. He is merciful and full of loving-
kindness. That other land may seem to be something of pleasure and enjoyment, but 
remaining in the shelter and care of the Father is remaining where true life never stops 
flowing and rivers of joy never cease to bring restoration and wholeness to those on its 
banks. Let the gift and ability be of use in carrying this light, but most of all, may the 
King of our heritage ever satisfy completely with unending steps towards the ultimate 
promise of life eternal in Him. 

Col 2:10  And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 


4/26/06