Samson was chosen by God before his life began, to “begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” Presumably his parents followed the instructions they had been given and raised him as a Nazirite from birth. He had advantages over other judges, chosen and prepared from birth, empowered by the Spirit of God, and yet his service looked so dreadful. This theocratic form of government, with God being Israel’s king, wasn’t working, because the leaders weren’t truly led by Him.
Samson’s story is filled with confusing contradictions. His demand that his parents arrange for him to marry a Philistine wife, when God had forbidden His people to marry the foreigners in their midst was part of God’s plan?! The Sprit of the Lord came upon him spontaneously and mightily so that he could kill the lion, when as a Nazirite he wasn’t supposed to be in the presence of a carcass? He was filled with God’s Spirit and yet had such an unworthy character. He did not seem to possess a character or judgment or even self-control worthy of a leader, yet he was chosen by God to judge Israel for twenty years. The only insight I can offer as to why God allowed this to happen is that if this was the best He had to work with, He worked with it. But my guess is that He wanted to do more for His people, if only He had a more willing and faithful servant to provide leadership. The Philistines continued to be a problem for the Israelites until a more fitting servant arose to finish them off. That would be David.
That all of Samson’s experience was apparently God’s plan, again shows us that we cannot comprehend His higher ways and thoughts. It also shows us that He will work through people who are not fully surrendered to Him, or even surrendered to Him at all. Our poor choices will not necessarily prevent Him from working at all, but may hinder the full realization of His purpose.
Samson’s example challenges us with the quality of our fitness for service, and thus the quality of our service. What kind of fitness have your choices achieved for you?