Stretching

Judges 15:9-15(NLT)

9 The Philistines retaliated by setting up camp in Judah and spreading out near the town of Lehi.

10 The men of Judah asked the Philistines, "Why are you attacking us?" The Philistines replied, "We've come to capture Samson. We've come to pay him back for what he did to us."

11 So 3,000 men of Judah went down to get Samson at the cave in the rock of Etam. They said to Samson, "Don't you realise the Philistines rules over us? What are you doing to us?" But Samson replied, "I only did to them what they did to me."

12 But the men of Judah told him, "We have come to tie you up and hand you over to the Philistines." "All right," Samson said. But promise that you won't kill me yourselves."

13 "We will only tie you up and hand you over to the Philistines, " they replied. "We won't kill you". So they tied him up from the rock.

14 As Samson arrived at Lehi, the Philistines came shouting in triumph. But the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon Samson, and he snapped the ropes on his arms as if they were burnt strands of flax, and they fell from his wrists.

15 Then he found the jawbone of a recently killed donkey. He picked it up and killed 1,000 Philistines with it.

Notes:

•Hiding or seclusion:

Samson goes into hiding or seclusion after having vengeance over his enemies. It's interesting he doesn't go home but to a place of comfort and safety.

No noise from the outside world. Just peacefully relaxed. It's like when some of us find a comfortable routine, place of work, group of friends or position in life. It's not the height of our lives but comfortable or balanced enough to have the peace and covering we desire.

The Rock of Etam can be found in a low hill country along the valley, signifying a low place or level.

•Unusual Revealing:

The way Samson gets pulled out from such a place causes me to pay attention. You see betrayal from his tribe. His closest family, or people or group. The main cause of it was fear. The people feared their oppressors.

He is brought out tied and out of his safe space. Open to the unknown, to the enemy and unarmed. He is brought before a problem.

•Hidden potential:

If you notice, the people weren't aware of his unique covenant with the Lord. He received overpowering strength everytime the Spirit of the Lord came upon him.

What tickles me is, in all of this the Spirit of the Lord was with him. The Lord caused him to win the battle with a jawbone of a donkey, which he found on that soon to be battle ground.

The jawbone came from something dead, unconsidered, neglected. It became a tool for victory. Don't be worried when you are ignored, there is a seed of greatness in you.

The donkey represents a peaceful creature, a humble animal, one that shoulders burdens, a gentle nature and loyalty.

This means in the stretching you win by the Spirit of the Lord, who leads you in peace, humility, in servitude, in loyalty and gentleness. These are your tools for this stretching.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for today and for your wisdom. Help us in this time of stretching, teach us to trust and believe in you. In Jesus Name Amen.

I invite you to make Jesus the Lord of your life, he is the One who gives daily wisdom and guidance, say with me, Dear Jesus, come into my heart, I repent of my sins, I make you my Lord and Saviour. Thank you for your love, I recieve it. In Your Name I pray Amen.